Garlic Basil Grilled Shrimp Skewers

When it comes to cooking shrimp, I swear by this Garlic Basil Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe. Crisp and juicy grilled shrimp are stacked on a skewer and marinated to perfection with garlic, lime and other simple seasonings.

shrimp skewers layered one on top of the other on a white plate

Flavor Packed Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilling shrimp has never been easier than it is with these shrimp kebabs. My garlic basil marinade will give your shrimp the BEST flavor with just 15 minutes of soaking time. You can’t find a quicker grilled shrimp recipe with this much flavor.

Plus, the marinade is made with just a handful of simple ingredients.

Why Cook Shrimp on a Skewer?

Skewers make everything more fun in my opinion. But they’re also super practical for grilling shrimp. You can flip them easily so they cook evenly, and there’s no chance of them falling through the grates. When your shrimp is ready, you can easily take it off the skewers or enjoy it as a shrimp kebab! ?

Recipe Ingredients

Basil Leaves
Parsley Leaves
Olive Oil
Garlic
Lime Juice: I am in love with shrimp that has a hint of lime flavor, but you can also use lemon juice if you’d like!
Salt & Pepper
Large Shrimp: Peel and devein your shrimp; consider leaving the tails intact for easier handling and looks. ?‍♀️
Lime Wedges (for serving)

garlic basil marinade in a glass bowl

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers

All you have to do is mix together your marinade, soak your shrimp and grill! This is about to become your new go-to shrimp recipe. ?

Make Marinade: Combine basil leaves, parsley, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper in a mini food processor and puree.
Set Aside: Set aside 2 tablespoons of the basil mixture for later.
Gather Shrimp: Add shrimp to a large bowl.
Marinate: Add remaining basil mixture to the shrimp and gently stir to combine. Cover and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
While the shrimp marinate, soak bamboo skewers in water for 15 minutes.
Heat Grill: Preheat your grill to Medium-High.
Thread Shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto skewers and brush the grill grates with vegetable oil.
Grill: Grill the shrimp skewers for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until just charred and cooked through. Do not cook for too long or the shrimp will be rubbery.
Remove from Grill: Remove your shrimp from the grill and brush it with reserved basil mixture.
Serve: Serve shrimp with lime wedges, if desired.

close up photo of raw shrimp threaded on skewers

Why Marinate the Shrimp?

If you’re wondering why you should marinate your shrimp, all you have to do is try this marinade. It will give your shrimp flavor like never before! It will also help to keep the shrimp nice and juicy.

How Long Do You Grill Shrimp on Skewers?

You only need to grill your shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side. However, the grill time will vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp. If you’re using jumbo shrimp, you’ll have to cook them a little longer and if you use smaller shrimp, they’ll need less time to cook through. You should remove them from the grill once the exterior turns pink and they’re slightly charred.

grilled shrimp on skewers stacked on a plate

Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: If you grill your shrimp for too long, they will be rubbery. Keep a close eye on the shrimp kabobs – they cook quickly!
Soak Skewers: If you’re using bamboo skewers, let them sit in water for at least 15 minutes before threading the shrimp. This will keep them from getting burnt on the grill.
Preheat Grill: Make sure you let your grill get hot before you start cooking your shrimp. This will allow you to sear the outside and keep the inside moist and juicy!
Grease Grates: Don’t forget to brush the grill grates with vegetable oil so your shrimp doesn’t stick.

Serving Suggestions

There are tons of ways to enjoy grilled shrimp. Here are a few of my favorite things to pair it with and dishes to serve it over:

Rice: Shrimp over rice is a timeless classic. Serve your shrimp skewers over my Almond Brown Rice Pilaf! It’s a healthy and delicious recipe that pairs perfectly with these shrimp kabobs.
Salad: A healthy salad is always great to serve with grilled shrimp. This Easy Cucumber Salad is a fresh and creamy option.
Vegetables: These Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables are a heavenly side dish to make with your grilled shrimp.
Other Kabob Ingredients: You can add other veggies or meats right onto the skewers with your shrimp! Alternate your favorite fruits with your lime-soaked shrimp for the ultimate grilled fruit and shrimp kabobs.

More Grilled Shrimp Recipes

ENJOY!

Tools Used in this Recipe

shrimp skewers layered one on top of the other on a white plate

Garlic Basil Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Crisp and juicy grilled shrimp stacked on a skewer and marinated to perfection with garlic, lime, and other simple seasonings.

Course: Dinner/Appetizers

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Servings: 4

Calories: 294 kcal

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, firmly packed
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, firmly packed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Combine basil leaves, parsley, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a mini food processor and puree.
Set aside 2 tablespoons of the basil mixture.
Add shrimp to a large bowl.
Add remaining basil mixture to the shrimp and gently stir to combine. Cover and let sit 15 to 20 minutes. If using bamboo skewers, let them sit in water for at least 15 minutes before adding on the shrimp.
Preheat a grill to Medium-High.
Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil.
Grill the shrimp skewers for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until just charred and cooked through.
When properly cooked, the shrimp exterior should be pink with red tails and the flesh will be slightly opaque in color. Do not cook for too long or the shrimp will be rubbery.
Remove shrimp from grill and brush with reserved basil mixture. Serve with lime wedges.