The Perfect Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Recipe for Summer

Mediterranean grilled shrimp kabobs dance with the essence of coastal cuisine, bringing vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients together in one delectable dish.

Succulent seafood meets bold Mediterranean seasonings, creating a sensory experience that transports you to seaside landscapes.

Fragrant herbs and bright citrus notes intertwine, elevating simple proteins into extraordinary culinary moments.

Delicate shrimp absorb marinade beautifully, promising intense taste in every single bite.

Quick-cooking and versatile, these kabobs work perfectly for spontaneous dinners or relaxed entertaining.

Light yet satisfying, they represent the heart of Mediterranean cooking.

fresh ingredients prepared with minimal fuss.

Grab your skewers and prepare for a mouthwatering adventure that celebrates simplicity and robust flavors.

Why Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Are a Summer Staple

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Experience a vibrant explosion of herbs, garlic, and lemon that transports your taste buds straight to the coastal regions of Greece and Italy.
• Quick and Foolproof Grilling: Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe takes just 30 minutes from marination to plate, with simple cooking techniques that guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy shrimp every single time.
• Protein-Packed Healthy Meal: Packed with lean protein and heart-healthy fats, these kabobs offer a nutritious dinner option that doesn't compromise on taste, delivering 28 grams of protein per serving while keeping calories moderate.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you prefer outdoor grilling or indoor pan-cooking, this recipe adapts seamlessly to your kitchen setup, making it an ideal choice for year-round enjoyment and different cooking environments.

What You’ll Need for Mediterranean Shrimp Kabob Flavor

• Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp with sweet ocean flavor and delicate texture, preferably wild-caught or sustainably sourced.

• Olive Oil: Mediterranean base that helps distribute flavors and ensures even cooking of shrimp.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that tenderizes shrimp and adds fresh, zesty notes.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, robust flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances natural shrimp sweetness.

• Bamboo Skewers: Wooden tools for holding and transporting shrimp during grilling, requiring water soaking to prevent burning.
• Lemon: Fresh citrus for final drizzling, adding bright finishing touch to grilled shrimp.

How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Kabobs with Ease

Step 1: Craft the Flavor-Packed Marinade

Mix all marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Separate and set aside of marinade in another bowl for later use.

Step 2: Prepare and Season Shrimp

Gently pat shrimp dry using paper towels. Sprinkle kosher salt over the shrimp. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and pour marinade, tossing carefully to coat evenly.

Step 3: Let Flavors Develop

Cover the shrimp mixture and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing marinades to infuse deep flavor.

Step 4: Prep Skewers

Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.

Step 5: Assemble Kabob Skewers

Thread approximately 4 large shrimp onto each soaked skewer, ensuring they’re securely positioned.

Step 6: Set Up Outdoor Grill

Preheat gas grill on high heat, then reduce to 275-325°F. Lightly grease cooking grates to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Grill Shrimp Outdoors

Place skewers on grill grates, close lid, and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque and develop light char.

Step 8: Indoor Grilling Alternative

For indoor cooking, use a dry griddle or cast-iron pan heated to medium-high. Cook skewers 3 to 4 minutes on first side, then flip and cook additional 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 9: Serve and Finish

Remove from heat immediately. Transfer shrimp to serving platter. Drizzle reserved marinade and fresh lemon juice over kabobs. Serve piping hot!

Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Shrimp Kabobs

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Reserve some marinade before adding raw shrimp to prevent cross-contamination and create a flavorful final drizzle.
• Prevent Shrimp Sticking: Lightly oil grill grates or pan to ensure easy flipping and beautiful grill marks without tearing delicate shrimp.
• Perfect Doneness Detection: Watch for shrimp to turn opaque and curl slightly – this signals they're perfectly cooked and won't become rubbery.
• Skewer Smart: Thread shrimp close together but not overcrowded, allowing even heat distribution and preventing uneven cooking.
• Quick Marinating Technique: Never marinate seafood longer than 30 minutes, as acidic ingredients can start breaking down delicate proteins and change texture.

How to Keep Mediterranean Shrimp Kabobs Tasty for Later

• Refrigeration: Carefully place leftover shrimp kabobs in an airtight container. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the container away from raw foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Reheating: Warm shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking. Sprinkle a few drops of water or olive oil to maintain moisture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, which can make shrimp tough and rubbery.
• Freezing: Wrap kabobs individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Pair with Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

• Sail Mediterranean Wine Pairings: Crisp white wines like Assyrtiko from Greece or Vermentino from Italy beautifully complement the shrimp's delicate flavors, cutting through the marinade's richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Create Herbal Mediterranean Sides: Serve alongside a refreshing Greek salad with feta, cucumber, and kalamata olives or pair with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce to enhance the kabob's Mediterranean profile.
• Elevate Citrus Beverage Companions: Opt for a chilled lemon-infused sparkling water or a light citrus mocktail that mirrors the marinade's bright, tangy elements and provides a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the grilled shrimp.
• Balance Herb-Packed Accompaniments: Prepare a quick quinoa tabbouleh with parsley, mint, and lemon juice that echoes the kabob's herbal marinade and provides a nutritious, flavorful base for the grilled shrimp.

Tasty Twists on Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

• Spicy Harissa Shrimp Kabobs: Replace traditional marinade with zesty harissa paste, adding extra chili peppers for a North African-inspired heat kick.
• Greek-Style Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh oregano, dill, and mint into the marinade for an authentic Mediterranean herb profile that elevates the shrimp's natural sweetness.
• Lemon Garlic Seafood Skewers: Increase garlic quantities and add lemon zest to intensify citrusy notes, creating a brighter, more vibrant flavor experience.
• Smoky Paprika Shrimp Kabobs: Mix smoked paprika into the marinade and sprinkle additional paprika before grilling to introduce a deep, rich smokiness reminiscent of Spanish coastal cuisine.

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Mediterranean grilled shrimp kabobs blend fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon into a perfect summer delight. Succulent prawns marinated in olive oil and spices create an irresistible dish that will transport you straight to coastal Greece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon coriander
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• ¼ cup (15 grams) packed chopped fresh parsley
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Oils and Liquids:

• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending all ingredients thoroughly in a small mixing vessel, reserving separately for later application.
2. Meticulously pat shrimp dry using clean paper towels, then season with kosher salt before transferring to a spacious mixing container.
3. Generously pour prepared marinade over shrimp, gently tossing to ensure complete and uniform coating.
4. Seal the marinating shrimp and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the delicate seafood.
5. Submerge bamboo skewers in cold water for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent potential charring during grilling process.
6. Thread approximately 4 large shrimp onto each prepared skewer, positioning them securely and ensuring even spacing.
7. For outdoor grilling, ignite gas grill to high heat, then reduce temperature to 275 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (135 to 163 degrees Celsius).
8. Lightly lubricate cooking grates with oil to prevent sticking and potential tearing of shrimp.
9. Carefully position skewered shrimp across grill grates, closing lid and allowing 2 to 3 minutes cooking time per side until shrimp transform to opaque white.
10. Alternative indoor method: utilize a dry griddle or cast-iron skillet heated to medium-high temperature.
11. Cook shrimp skewers approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, ensuring complete and even heat distribution.
12. Once cooking concludes, immediately transfer shrimp to a decorative serving platter.
13. Enhance final presentation by drizzling reserved marinade and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the kabobs just before serving.

Notes

• Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent charring during high-heat grilling, ensuring a safe and consistent cooking process.
• Marinate shrimp for maximum flavor absorption, allowing the Mediterranean-inspired blend to deeply penetrate the seafood.
• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to help the marinade adhere better and create a more flavorful exterior when grilled.
• Select large shrimp for easier skewering and a more substantial bite, providing an attractive presentation on the kabob.
• Preheating the grill creates the perfect searing temperature, helping achieve those beautiful grill marks and preventing sticking.
• Reserve a portion of marinade for final drizzling, adding a fresh burst of flavor just before serving the kabobs hot.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg