There's something undeniably delightful about the sizzle and aroma of grilled shrimp kabobs. These skewers of succulent shrimp, paired with vibrant vegetables, create a mouthwatering experience that is perfect for any outdoor gathering. Learn how to create the most delectable grilled shrimp kabobs that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Why This Will Be Your New Favorite Way To Make Shrimp
- Fast. Not including the time it takes for the shrimp to marinade, you can have a tasty meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Easy. Prep the veggies, pop the shrimp in a homemade marinade, skewer all of the healthy ingredients together, and grill until perfectly cooked and tender.
- Low Carb. Only 6 net carbs per serving make this the ultimate keto-grilling recipe.
- Versatile. Use your favorite combination of vegetables to create your perfect shrimp kabob.
Grilled shrimp kabobs are a delightful way to enjoy the smoky flavors of summer. With their tender shrimp, colorful vegetables, and aromatic marinade, these skewers are a crowd-pleasing addition to any barbecue or outdoor gathering.
How Long Does It Take To Grill Raw Shrimp?
The cooking time for grilling raw shrimp depends on various factors such as the size of the shrimp, the heat of the grill, and personal preference for doneness. As a general guideline, here's an approximate cooking time for grilling raw shrimp:
- Small to medium-sized shrimp (30-40 count): 2-3 minutes per side
- Large shrimp (20-25 count): 3-4 minutes per side
Shrimp are ready when they turn opaque and have a slightly firm texture. They should also curl into a loose "C" shape.
Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the heat of your grill, so it's crucial to adjust accordingly. It's always better to slightly undercook shrimp and let them finish cooking off the heat than to overcook them.
What Do You Season Shrimp With?
The key to creating the most perfect-tasting shrimp kabob is finding a great balance of not only the right herbs and spices but also the right vegetables that cook in a similar amount of time and complement the seafood flavors.
- Large shrimp- For these kabobs, you'll want raw peeled and deveined. They're the easiest to work with, but if you're comfortable cleaning shrimp, feel free to use any raw variety.
- Bell peppers- Use a variety of colors to keep the presentation fun and exciting.
- Red onion- When sliced thin and chunked, they give a robust addition of flavor to the shrimp kabobs.
- Cherry tomatoes- Blister nicely for presentation, stay juicy on the inside, and provide some natural sweetness.
- Zucchini- These should be sliced very thin so they cook as quickly as the shrimp. If you don't like veggies with a crunch, you might consider leaving these out.
- Baby Bella mushrooms- Give a natural umami bite and protein while staying tender enough to not overpower the shrimp.
- Olive oil- This works as the base of your marinade which makes each one of those little shrimps pop with flavor.
- Garlic- Makes the kabobs slightly sweet and earthy.
- Paprika- Adds a pop of color and subtle smokiness.
- Oregano- For freshness and a tiny touch of spice.
- Salt and Black pepper- Accentuates the amazing natural flavors of the shrimp and veggies.
How To Make Shrimp Kabobs
- Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables. Ensure that the shrimp are peeled and deveined, leaving the tails intact for easy handling. Cut the bell peppers and red onion into chunks of similar size. Slice the zucchini into rounds, and gather the cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
- Create the Marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp. Place the shrimp in a separate bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly. Allow the shrimp to marinate for approximately 15-20 minutes to enhance their taste.
- Skewer the Ingredients. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, alternating with the prepared bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini slices. Assemble the skewers according to your preference, leaving a little space between each ingredient for even cooking.
- Grill the Kabobs. Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turns opaque and the vegetables are tender and lightly charred. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp to ensure they remain juicy and tender.
- Serve and Enjoy. Once the shrimp kabobs are grilled to perfection, carefully remove them from the heat. Transfer the kabobs to a serving platter and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. These kabobs are best enjoyed immediately, served hot off the grill.
Tips And Tricks
- Choose the Right Shrimp- Opt for large or jumbo-sized shrimp for grilling, as they hold up well on the skewers and are less likely to overcook. Look for shrimp that are deveined and peeled but with the tails left intact for easier handling.
- Soak the Skewers- Whether you use wooden or metal skewers, make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. If using metal skewers, ensure they are properly oiled or coated to prevent sticking.
- Watch the Cooking Time- Shrimp cook relatively quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Grill the shrimp kabobs for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn opaque and slightly firm. Overcooked shrimp can become dry and tough, so be careful not to leave them on the grill for too long.
Variations
Love this recipe but want a way to make it even better to suit your taste buds? Use one of these flavorful variations to keep this recipe new, fresh, and totally delicious for your family.
- Baste for flavor. For additional flavor, you can reserve some of the marinade that doesn't get used on the raw shrimp, and brush the kabobs with some of it while grilling.
- Customize the veggies. Feel free to customize your kabobs by adding other vegetables such as a different variety of seasonal mushrooms, yellow squash, or chunks of pineapple. Just make sure to slice the vegetables extremely thin if using something that is hearty.
- Turn up the heat. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Keep it fresh. Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to create your desired flavor profile.
What Goes Good With Shrimp Kabobs?
Shrimp kabobs are so versatile and delicious and pair well with a variety of flavors. Here are some ideas for what you can serve alongside shrimp kabobs:
- Rice or Quinoa- Serve the shrimp kabobs over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa. The grains will absorb the flavorful juices from the kabobs, adding an extra element to your meal.
- Salad- A light and refreshing salad can be a perfect accompaniment to shrimp kabobs. Consider a fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. Alternatively, a Mediterranean-style salad with feta cheese, olives, and crisp lettuce can complement the flavors of the shrimp.
- Dips and Sauces- Offer some flavorful dips and sauces for dipping the shrimp and accompanying ingredients. A classic cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, tzatziki, or a spicy aioli can add a burst of flavor and enhance the enjoyment of the kabobs.
How Long Do They Last?
Shrimp kabobs, like any cooked seafood, are best enjoyed when fresh. It is recommended to consume shrimp kabobs within 2-3 days of cooking for the best taste and food safety.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp kabobs if you have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance. Freezing can help extend the shelf life of cooked shrimp kabobs, allowing you to enjoy them at a later time. Here's how:
- Individually wrap each shrimp kabob tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect them from freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped shrimp kabobs in the freezer, ensuring they are stored in a flat position to prevent any skewers from piercing the packaging.
- Cooked shrimp kabobs can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the shrimp kabobs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them gently in the oven or on the grill until warmed through. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp during reheating to maintain their tenderness.
More Shrimp Recipes
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Ingredients
- 16 large shrimp
- 1 cup bell pepper
- 1/2 cup red onion
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup zucchini
- 1/2 cup baby bella mushrooms
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Ensure that the shrimp are peeled and deveined, leaving the tails intact for easy handling. Cut the bell peppers and red onion into chunks of similar size. Slice the zucchini into rounds, and gather the cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to form a flavorful marinade.
- Place the shrimp in a separate bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly. Allow the shrimp to marinate for approximately 15-20 minutes to enhance their taste.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, alternating with the prepared bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini slices. Assemble the skewers according to your preference, leaving a little space between each ingredient for even cooking.
- Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turns opaque and the vegetables are tender and lightly charred. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp to ensure they remain juicy and tender.
- Once the shrimp kabobs are grilled to perfection, carefully remove them from the heat. Transfer the kabobs to a serving platter and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. These kabobs are best enjoyed immediately, served hot off the grill.
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Nutrition
Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.
Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
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