Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe – Easy Broiled Indian-Style

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe – Easy Broiled Indian-Style

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful dish that feels a little bit special. These Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers are exactly that. I first made these when I was craving something light and zesty, and they’ve become a regular in my kitchen ever since. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a summer BBQ, or even a festive starter. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love? These shrimp skewers are bursting with bright, fresh flavors. The lemon and garlic create a beautiful aroma, and the broiling method means they cook up super fast – seriously, dinner is ready in under 15 minutes! Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, and they pair beautifully with so many different sides.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers:

• 25-30 medium shrimps, peeled and deveined (about 500g)
• 4 lemons, sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (about 57g)
• 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Ingredient Notes

A few little things that make all the difference:

• Fresh Lemon & Garlic: Seriously, don’t skimp on these! The flavor is just so much brighter when you use fresh ingredients.
• A Touch of Heat: If you like a little kick, consider adding a pinch of Kashmiri chili powder (about ¼ tsp) to the glaze. It adds a beautiful color and a mild, fruity heat. Regular chili flakes work too, of course!
• Soaking the Skewers: This is super important! Soaking the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the broiler. Trust me, you don’t want charred skewers ruining your beautiful shrimp.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. Prep the Broiler: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) on broil mode. Position the top rack and line a baking tray with foil, then grease it lightly. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Skewer the Shrimp: Thread 4 shrimps and 2 lemon slices onto each soaked skewer. Arrange them neatly on the prepared baking tray.
3. Broil the Shrimp: Roast the skewers for 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You’ll know they’re ready when the shrimp turn pink and firm. Set them aside for now.
4. Make the Glaze: While the shrimp are broiling, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, until fragrant – but don’t let it brown!
5. Add the Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice, oregano, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Glaze & Garnish: Brush the glaze generously over the roasted shrimp. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook fast! Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and not very enjoyable. Keep a close watch and remove them from the broiler as soon as they turn pink.
• Even Cooking: Make sure the shrimp are relatively the same size for even cooking.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have a little extra time, you can marinate the shrimp in half of the glaze for 30 minutes before skewering.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level:
  • Mild: Stick to the original recipe.
  • Medium: Add ¼ tsp of chili flakes or Kashmiri chili powder to the glaze.
  • Hot: Increase the chili flakes or Kashmiri chili powder to ½ tsp, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chili for a real kick!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your spices are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
• Festival Adaptation: These skewers make a fantastic starter for celebrations like Diwali or Eid. Serve them with a side of mint chutney for a truly Indian-inspired appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:

• Rice: Serve with a side of fluffy basmati rice.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the shrimp beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers are all great options.
• Naan Bread: Warm naan bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious glaze.

Storage Instructions

These are best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently in a pan or under the broiler – but be careful not to overcook them!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before skewering.

2. How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking on the broiler?

Keep a close eye on them! Shrimp cook quickly, so check them frequently and remove them as soon as they turn pink and firm.

3. What can I substitute for bamboo skewers?

Metal skewers are a great alternative. Just make sure they’re not coated in anything that will melt under the broiler.

4. Can this marinade be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

5. What side dishes pair well with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers?

Rice, salad, roasted vegetables, and naan bread are all excellent choices.

6. Is it possible to grill these skewers instead of broiling?

Yes, you can! Grill them over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and firm.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!