Recipes › Seafood › Italian Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Italian Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

Italian Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a vibrant Mediterranean seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp threaded on skewers with fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic-infused olive oil. Charred on the grill until tender and slightly smoky, they make an elegant appetizer or light main course that showcases the simplicity and quality of Italian coastal cooking. This recipe requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1.2 kg (2.5 lbs) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) extra virgin olive oil
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 30 g (1 oz) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 15 g (1/2 oz) fresh rosemary sprigs
• 2 lemons, cut into wheels
• 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• Extra virgin olive oil for brushing grill grates

Instructions

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until fully combined.

3. Add the peeled shrimp to the marinade along with the chopped parsley and rosemary sprigs. Toss gently to coat evenly, then let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.

4. Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to high heat (approximately 200°C or 400°F). Lightly brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.

5. Thread shrimp onto skewers, alternating with lemon wheels and fresh rosemary sprigs, leaving approximately 1 cm space between each piece.

6. Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque pink and develop light char marks, handling gently to prevent sticking.

7. Transfer skewers to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining marinade from the bowl. Serve immediately while still warm.

Substitutions

• Replace wooden skewers with metal skewers to eliminate soaking time
• Substitute fresh rosemary with fresh thyme or oregano for different herbal notes
• Use sustainable farmed shrimp or wild-caught alternatives depending on availability and preference
• Replace lemon with lime for a brighter, sharper citrus profile

Tips

• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels before marinating to help them develop better char marks on the grill
• Thread shrimp and lemon alternately so the citrus prevents the shrimp from spinning during cooking
• Do not overcrowd the grill; leave space between skewers for even cooking and proper charring
• Shrimp cook very quickly and become rubbery if overcooked; cook just until opaque, typically 6-8 minutes total

Grilled shrimp skewers reflect the Italian tradition of simple seaside cooking found throughout the Mediterranean coast, where fresh seafood is prepared with minimal intervention to highlight its natural sweetness and quality. This dish is particularly associated with regions like Sicily, Calabria, and the Amalfi Coast, where grilling over open flames has been a staple cooking method for centuries.

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