Spicy Garlic Shrimp Skewers 🌶️🧄🍤🔥 Bold, Juicy, and Charred With Garlic Heat and Citrus Kick

These shrimp skewers hit fast and hard: garlic-marinated shrimp with chili flakes, lemon, and olive oil, seared over high heat until just-cooked and slightly crisp at the edges.

They’re ready in minutes and perfect for grilling season, appetizer platters, or stuffing into tacos and grain bowls.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3 as a main or 4–6 as an app)

For the shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or cayenne
• Optional: 1 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

To serve

• Lemon wedges
• Extra chili flakes or hot sauce
• Optional: yogurt or herb dip, chimichurri, or aioli

For skewers

• Metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the shrimp
In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Toss shrimp in the marinade and let sit for 15–30 minutes (don’t marinate too long or the lemon will start to “cook” the shrimp).

Step 2: Skewer and prep
Thread shrimp onto skewers, curling each one to pierce through tail and body for secure hold. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush grates with oil.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Grill or sear skewers for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred at the edges. Do not overcook — they go fast.

Step 4: Serve hot
Transfer to a plate, squeeze with fresh lemon, and garnish with herbs or extra chili flakes. Serve with dipping sauce or over rice, salad, or grilled veggies.

Flavor Variations

• Add honey or maple to the marinade for a sweet-heat glaze
• Swap lemon for lime and add cumin for a smoky-tropical twist
• Use harissa, sriracha, or sambal oelek instead of chili flakes
• Toss grilled shrimp in garlic butter just before serving
• Turn into shrimp tacos with slaw, avocado, and crema

Pro Tips

• Pat shrimp dry before marinating to help them sear, not steam
• Use two skewers per row to prevent shrimp from spinning when flipped
• If broiling, use the top rack and watch closely — it takes just 5–6 minutes
• Marinate in a zip-top bag for easy cleanup and full coating

Final Thoughts

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Skewers bring the fire — fast. They’re juicy, punchy, and full of bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them as a main or passing them around at a party, they’re always the first thing gone.

Skewer it. Grill it. Let the garlic-chili combo shine. 🌶️🧄🍤🔥

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