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Shrimp And Vegetable Skewers

10 servings
Shrimp And Vegetable Skewers
Shrimp

Shrimp And Vegetable Skewers

Prep20 min
Cook10 min
Total30 min
Serves4
Shrimp And Vegetable Skewers
Grilled shrimp and vegetables

I still remember the first time I had shrimp and vegetable skewers at a family barbecue. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender vegetables, and a hint of smoky flavor from the grill was love at first bite. As a coastal home cook, I've always been drawn to seafood, and this dish is one of my favorites.

What I love about shrimp and vegetable skewers is how easy they are to make and how versatile they can be. You can use any combination of vegetables you like, and the shrimp can be marinated in a variety of flavors. Plus, it's a great way to get your daily dose of protein and vegetables in one delicious dish.

As a former fishmonger's daughter, I've learned a thing or two about cooking seafood. One of the most important things is to not overcomplicate it. Shrimp and vegetable skewers are a perfect example of this. By keeping the ingredients simple and the cooking method straightforward, you can create a dish that's both impressive and easy to make.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and delicious dinner that's also healthy. The shrimp and vegetables are grilled to perfection, and the result is a dish that's both flavorful and nutritious. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a new idea for dinner, shrimp and vegetable skewers are a great choice.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make shrimp and vegetable skewers that are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.
  • The dish is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner that's also healthy.
  • You can use any combination of vegetables you like, making it a great way to use up leftovers.
  • The shrimp and vegetables are grilled to perfection, giving the dish a nice smoky flavor.
  • This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
  • You can make the skewers ahead of time and grill them when you're ready.
  • The dish is impressive and sure to please your family and friends.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great shrimp and vegetable skewers is to cook the shrimp and vegetables separately until they're just done, then combine them on the skewer. This ensures that the shrimp are cooked to perfection and the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Another important factor is the marinade. By marinating the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, you can add flavor to the dish without overpowering the natural taste of the shrimp and vegetables.

The type of vegetables you use is also important. I like to use a combination of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, which add visual appeal to the dish and provide a variety of textures.

Finally, the cooking method is crucial. Grilling the skewers over medium-high heat gives the shrimp and vegetables a nice char on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are simple and easy to find. You'll need some basic pantry staples like olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, as well as some fresh vegetables and shrimp.

When shopping for shrimp, look for fresh or frozen shrimp that have been sustainably sourced. You can also use any combination of vegetables you like, so feel free to get creative and use up any leftovers you have on hand.

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveinedLook for fresh or frozen shrimp that have been sustainably sourced. You can also use smaller shrimp if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • 1/4 cup olive oilUse a good quality olive oil that has a mild flavor. You can also use other oils like avocado or grapeseed if you prefer.
  • 2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic on hand.
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juiceUse a fresh lemon for the best flavor. You can also use bottled lemon juice if you don't have a fresh lemon on hand.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oreganoUse a good quality dried oregano that has a pungent flavor. You can also use other herbs like thyme or rosemary if you prefer.
  • 1/2 teaspoon saltUse a good quality salt that has a mild flavor. You can also use other seasonings like paprika or cayenne pepper if you prefer.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse a good quality black pepper that has a sharp flavor. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder if you prefer.
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch piecesUse any color bell pepper you like, or a combination of colors. You can also use other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant if you prefer.
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch piecesUse any color bell pepper you like, or a combination of colors. You can also use other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant if you prefer.
  • 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch piecesUse a sweet onion like Vidalia or Maui for the best flavor. You can also use other onions like yellow or white if you prefer.
  • 2 large zucchinis, cut into 1-inch slicesUse any type of zucchini you like, or a combination of types. You can also use other vegetables like eggplant or portobello mushrooms if you prefer.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halvedUse any type of cherry tomato you like, or a combination of types. You can also use other vegetables like grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer.
  • 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutesUse bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Ingredients for Shrimp And Vegetable Skewers

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsCutting boardKnifeGrill or grill panTongs or spatula

How to Make Shrimp And Vegetable Skewers

  1. 1
    In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2
    Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. 3
    Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp, bell peppers, onion, zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes onto the bamboo skewers.
  4. 4
    Brush the grill with oil to prevent the skewers from sticking. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the shrimp are pink and the vegetables are tender.
  5. 5
    Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. You can serve with a side of quinoa, rice, or salad for a complete meal.
  6. 6
    To make ahead, prepare the skewers up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Grill the skewers just before serving.
  7. 7
    To freeze, prepare the skewers and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container. Grill the skewers frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
  8. 8
    To reheat, grill the skewers over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and the vegetables are tender.
  9. 9
    Serve the skewers hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
  10. 10
    You can also serve the skewers with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for a delicious and healthy snack.
  11. 11
    Experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to make the skewers your own. Some other options include mushrooms, eggplant, and red onion.

Expert Tips

  • Make sure to soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  • Use a variety of colorful vegetables to make the skewers visually appealing.
  • Don't overcrowd the skewers, as this can cause the shrimp and vegetables to steam instead of grill.
  • Brush the grill with oil to prevent the skewers from sticking.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp, as this can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to make the skewers your own.
  • Consider using a grill pan if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not soaking the bamboo skewers in water long enough, causing them to burn on the grill.
  • Overcrowding the skewers, causing the shrimp and vegetables to steam instead of grill.
  • Not brushing the grill with oil, causing the skewers to stick.
  • Overcooking the shrimp, making them tough and rubbery.
  • Not letting the skewers rest before serving, causing the juices to run out.
  • Not using a variety of colorful vegetables, making the skewers visually unappealing.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Use different types of protein like chicken, beef, or pork instead of shrimp.
  • Add some heat to the skewers by including diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
  • Use a variety of cheeses like feta, parmesan, or goat cheese to add flavor to the skewers.
  • Add some smoky flavor to the skewers by including some chopped bacon or prosciutto.
  • Use a different type of oil like avocado or grapeseed instead of olive oil.
  • Add some fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro to the skewers for extra flavor.
  • Use a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, or paprika to add flavor to the skewers.

What to Serve With Shrimp And Vegetable Skewers

Serve the shrimp and vegetable skewers hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. You can also serve the skewers with a side of quinoa, rice, or salad for a complete meal.

Some other options for serving the skewers include:

QuinoaRiceSaladTzatziki sauceHummus

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The shrimp and vegetable skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before grilling. Simply prepare the skewers and store them in a covered container in the refrigerator.

To freeze the skewers, prepare them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container.

To reheat the skewers, grill them over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and the vegetables are tender.

It's also important to note that the skewers can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. This makes them a great option for meal prep or for a quick and easy dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of shrimp you like, but larger shrimp like jumbo or extra-large work best for this recipe. You can also use smaller shrimp if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use other types of protein instead of shrimp?

Yes, you can use other types of protein like chicken, beef, or pork instead of shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

How long do I need to soak the bamboo skewers in water?

You should soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Can I make the skewers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator?

Yes, you can make the skewers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before grilling. Simply prepare the skewers and store them in a covered container in the refrigerator.

How do I reheat the skewers if I've frozen them?

To reheat the skewers, grill them over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and the vegetables are tender.

Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill. Just make sure to brush the pan with oil to prevent the skewers from sticking.

What type of vegetables can I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of vegetables you like, but colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work well for this recipe.

How do I prevent the skewers from sticking to the grill?

You can prevent the skewers from sticking to the grill by brushing the grill with oil before grilling the skewers.

The Full Recipe
Recipe Card
Shrimp And Vegetable Skewers

Shrimp And Vegetable Skewers

Easy, foolproof shrimp and vegetable skewers made from scratch in a real home kitchen, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner

Prep20 min
Cook10 min
Total30 min
Serves4
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 large zucchinis, cut into 1-inch slices
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp, bell peppers, onion, zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes onto the bamboo skewers.
  4. Brush the grill with oil to prevent the skewers from sticking. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the shrimp are pink and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. You can serve with a side of quinoa, rice, or salad for a complete meal.
  6. To make ahead, prepare the skewers up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Grill the skewers just before serving.
  7. To freeze, prepare the skewers and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container. Grill the skewers frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
  8. To reheat, grill the skewers over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and the vegetables are tender.
  9. Serve the skewers hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
  10. You can also serve the skewers with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for a delicious and healthy snack.
  11. Experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to make the skewers your own. Some other options include mushrooms, eggplant, and red onion.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

250Calories
20gProtein
10gCarbs
10gFat