Shrimp Scampi Skewers are the answer to every last-minute dinner craving and every backyard gathering that needs a touch of elegance. Imagine plump shrimp marinated in a buttery, garlicky bath with bright pops of lemon, threaded onto skewers, and grilled to juicy perfection. The flavors meld into something irresistible, and the presentation — sizzling hot off the grill, scattered with fresh parsley and served with wedges of lemon — is as inviting as it gets. This is one of those recipes that’s practically impossible to mess up, yet feels special enough to share with guests or savor on a weeknight when you crave a bit of seaside flair.

Shrimp Scampi Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for these Shrimp Scampi Skewers is short but mighty! Each component brings its own unique character — lifting the dish with fresh flavors, a hint of heat, and colors that make your platter truly pop. Here’s why every item belongs in the mix:

Large shrimp: Opt for peeled and deveined, tails-on shrimp for best presentation and eating ease — they’re the juicy, meaty stars of your skewers.
Olive oil: This rounds out the marinade, helps the shrimp caramelize on the grill, and keeps everything luscious.
Unsalted butter (melted): Butter sneaks in those classic scampi vibes, clinging to each shrimp and adding decadent richness.
Garlic (minced): Don’t even think about skimping — those four cloves ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds zingy brightness and balances out the richness.
Lemon zest: The zest brings an aromatic, citrusy punch that no juice alone can match.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a bit of tingle, red pepper broadens the flavor profile.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkle over at the end for color and a surge of herbal freshness.
Salt and pepper: Every good marinade needs seasoning to wake up the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Lemon wedges: When served alongside, they invite everyone to squeeze just the right amount of juice right before that first bite.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together your olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if you’re up for a kick), salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This is your flavor foundation! Whisking ensures the garlic disperses evenly and the butter and oil marry — you’ll catch a whiff of that citrus and butter already mingling.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Toss your cleaned, peeled, and deveined shrimp right into the bowl, moving them around so every one gets a chance to soak up that gorgeous marinade. Let them sit for at least 10–15 minutes as you get the grill hot. The shrimp will start to glisten — that’s the magic happening!

Step 3: Thread the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they don’t singe over the flames. Thread the marinated shrimp onto your skewers — about 5 to 6 per skewer does the trick. Keeping them nestled close together helps them stay juicy and makes lineup on the grill a breeze.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

With your grill preheated to medium-high, lay the Shrimp Scampi Skewers right onto the grate. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn pink, slightly opaque, and those adorable grill marks start to show. Be careful not to overcook — the line between juicy and rubbery is thin!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once off the grill, immediately sprinkle chopped fresh parsley all over for that instant pop of green and garden freshness. Nestle extra lemon wedges around the platter. Serve straight away to savor the full garlicky, buttery aroma. These skewers are at their absolute best hot and glistening.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Skewers

Garnishes

For that final flourish, a generous scattering of fresh chopped parsley does more than just look pretty — it brings a burst of clean, herbal flavor. Lemon wedges aren’t just decoration either; they encourage everyone to personalize their plate with a big, bright squeeze.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Scampi Skewers make a dreamy centerpiece for so many sides. Go classic with a loaf of crusty bread to mop up the buttery juices, or serve over steaming rice — the grains soak up all those glorious drippings. A crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette is perfect for balance, especially on warm days.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not slide the shrimp off the skewers over cooked pasta, then drizzle with extra marinade for a scampi-inspired main? Or thread a few veggies between the shrimp before grilling — think cherry tomatoes, chunks of zucchini, or thin slices of red onion — for a pop of color and texture alongside your Shrimp Scampi Skewers. You can even serve mini versions as elegant appetizers at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Shrimp Scampi Skewers (which honestly is rare), let them cool, then remove the shrimp from the skewers and place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit, making them even better the next day tossed into a salad or light pasta dish.

Freezing

While freshly made Shrimp Scampi Skewers are unbeatable, you can freeze leftover grilled shrimp if needed. Let them cool completely, then pack in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month but may lose a bit of their plump juiciness when reheated.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your shrimp is gently! Place them in a sauté pan over low heat with a splash of extra butter or olive oil, just until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can overcook and toughen the shrimp quickly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Skewers?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry your shrimp before marinating. This helps the marinade cling and gives you better grilling results.

Do I have to grill the shrimp, or can I cook them another way?

While grilling gives you amazing smoky flavor, you can absolutely broil Shrimp Scampi Skewers in the oven or cook them in a grill pan on the stove. Just keep timings similar and watch for that telltale pink, opaque finish.

How spicy are these skewers with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not an overwhelming heat. If you like things mild, simply leave them out or start with a pinch and adjust to your taste.

What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from falling off the skewer?

Thread shrimp through both the head and tail ends onto the skewer, forming a snug “C” shape. This technique helps them hold on tight while turning and flipping over the flames.

Can I prep these Shrimp Scampi Skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the shrimp for up to an hour in advance, then thread onto skewers and refrigerate until ready to grill. Just wait to grill them until just before serving for maximum juiciness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something a little magical about Shrimp Scampi Skewers — the sizzle, the lemony aroma, and the utter simplicity that delivers knockout flavor every single time. Give them a try and let them transform your next meal into an occasion, even if it’s just a Tuesday night! Your grill (and your tastebuds) will thank you.

Shrimp Scampi Skewers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Shrimp Scampi Skewers are a delightful way to enjoy succulent grilled shrimp infused with garlic, lemon, and butter flavors. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal on a warm day.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Scampi Skewers:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and coat evenly.
Skewer the shrimp: Thread shrimp onto skewers.
Grill the shrimp: Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with grill marks.
Finish and serve: Remove from grill, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Delicious when paired with crusty bread, rice, or a simple salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American