These Oven-Baked Shrimp Skewers have the perfect combination of garlic and lemon flavor in an easy to make marinade. The tender shrimp cook perfectly in the oven for a quick weeknight meal!
(Blue’s Best Life is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. I earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. This helps me keep the blog going! -Bobbie)
Table of contents
Why You'll Love These Oven-Baked Shrimp Skewers!
Oven baked shrimp skewers are an easy meal that takes only a few minutes to prepare. Shrimp kebabs are so versatile. They can be a simple appetizer recipe or made for a healthy meal on busy weeknights.
With just a few simple ingredients this delicious shrimp kababs recipe makes juicy shrimp that you can pair with rice, pasta or a salad for the perfect dinner.
How To Select Shrimp
I grew up in Kentucky and didn't prepare many seafood recipes until I moved to Florida in my 20's. The first time I went to select shrimp at the seafood counter, I was clueless. There are so many different types and sizes to choose from and then some are already peeled and deveined and some are already cooked. So what is the best type of shrimp for shrimp skewers?
After experimenting with many recipes I have learned how to maneuver the seafood counter. I recommend larger shrimp because they will be easier to thread onto the skewers. The bags of frozen shrimp or the tag at the seafood counter will be labeled with numbers that read "16-20" or "31-40". These sizes refer to the number of shrimp that it takes to equal a pound. I do not recommend smaller than the "16-20 count which is considered jumbo shrimp.
I usually buy shrimp that are already deveined to save myself the time. Sometimes they will still have the tail attached which you can leave on or remove before adding to the marinade.
Because shrimp are a quick-cooking protein, buy raw shrimp and not already cooked shrimp. You wouldn't want the shrimp to overcook and become rubbery!
Love Easy Dinner Recipes? Try These Next!
Equipment Needed
wooden skewers or metal skewers- each do the job, it is just a matter of personal preference. Metal skewers are reusable while the wooden bamboo skewers are great for easy clean up.
rimmed baking sheet- I like to elevate my shrimp on a wire rack that is fitted in my rimmed sheet, but you can use a regular sheet pan lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Key Ingredients
shrimp- larger shrimp are the best type of shrimp for skewers. Look for uncooked fresh shrimp at the seafood counter of your local grocery store.
garlic- chopping a clove of fresh garlic really adds a lot of flavor to the shrimp.
lemon- always buy a whole lemon for fresh lemon juice and lemon zest which add so much flavor.
brown sugar- adds a little sweetness to the marinade.
olive oil- is needed for the shrimp marinade because the shrimp have very little fat this keeps them from drying out.
cilantro- I love adding fresh herbs to marinades. It adds flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
Step-By-Step Instructions
In a large bowl mix together the shrimp marinade. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes.
After the shrimp have marinated, preheat oven to 425° F. Thread shrimp through the skewers and place on a baking tray.
Cook shrimp in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes. This will vary depending on the size of the shrimp.
Serving Suggestion
Shrimp skewers are easily paired with many different side dishes. Plate them with pasta, rice or veggies. The garlic lemon flavor of the shrimp skewers are perfect with this orzo pesto pasta or for a light option try my favorite cucumber carrot salad.
You can also make vegetable kabobs to go with your shrimp. I recommend to make these separately because the shrimp cook faster than the vegetables do. Try threading cherry tomatoes, red onion and different color bell peppers and start these in the oven first. They should bake for 20 minutes.
Expert Tips
- Do not marinate the shrimp in acidic ingredients like lemon juice for any longer than an hour. The acid will actually start to cook and alter the texture of the shrimp.
- No need to soak the skewers because the shrimp cook so quickly they will not burn.
- This recipe can also be used on an outdoor grill but I would soak skewers incase of any flare ups from the marinade.
Substitutions And Additions
brown sugar- try equal amounts of honey or maple syrup instead of the brown sugar.
cilantro- you can use fresh parsley or dried herbs instead of cilantro.
lemon-lime juice and lime zest are also a great flavor with shrimp.
hot sauce- if you want to give the shrimp a little spicy flavor add a few shakes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Storage Recommendations
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
To reheat shrimp place on a baking tray with a light drizzle of olive oil and cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place in a 300° F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Looking For Side Dishes? Try These!
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Best Oven Baked Garlic and Lemon Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count or larger)
Instructions
- Add all of the marinade ingredients to a bowl. Mix together well.
- Place peeled and deveined shrimp in the marinade and toss to coat.
- Place shrimp in refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes (no longer than 1 hour).
- After shrimp have marinated, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Thread shrimp on skewers about 3-4 per skewer depending on size. Dispose of leftover marinade.
- Place skewers on a baking tray either raised on a wire rack or lined with aluminum foil.
- Bake in preheated oven for 7-9 minutes depending on size of shrimp. Shrimp are cooked when they are bright pink and white on the inside.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Leave a Reply