Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe

These Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe is made using large shrimp, cherry tomatoes and doused in a delicious olive oil marinade.

Introducing succulent shrimp skewers, a mouthwatering delight bursting with flavors. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of shrimp with the tangy freshness of cherry tomatoes, enhanced by a blend of aromatic spices and zesty herbs. Grilled to perfection, these skewers make for a delightful appetizer or a satisfying main course.

With just the right balance of ingredients, these shrimp skewers are sure to impress your family and guests. So fire up the grill or heat up your stovetop grill pan, and get ready to savor the irresistible combination of juicy shrimp, burst-in-your-mouth tomatoes, and a medley of tantalizing seasonings. Let's dive into this delightful recipe and discover the magic of shrimp skewers.

If you love Shrimp, you need to try my Creamy Shrimp in Coconut Sauce Recipe or my Shrimp Scampi Recipe.

Jump to:

• What are Shrimp Skewers?
• Why you will love this recipe
• Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Shrimp Skewers with Veggies
• What to serve with Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe
• Substitutions
• Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Shrimp Skewers with Veggies
• Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe Top tips
• Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe
• Food safety

What are Shrimp Skewers?

Shrimp skewers are a popular dish made by threading shrimp onto skewers and grilling or broiling them until they are cooked to perfection. They are a delicious and versatile option, often served as appetizers or as part of a main course. Shrimp skewers are known for their simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the shrimp to shine through while being enhanced by various seasonings and accompaniments.

The shrimp used in skewers are typically large, peeled, and deveined. They can be left whole or folded over on the skewer to create a more compact shape. The shrimp are often alternated with other ingredients like vegetables or fruits, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, or pineapple, to add additional flavors and textures to the dish.

Why you will love this recipe

• Bursting with flavors: The combination of succulent shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and zesty seasonings creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Quick and easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, with minimal ingredients and steps. You can have a delicious meal ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Versatile: Shrimp skewers can be enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or as a satisfying main course. They can be served on their own, paired with a refreshing salad or rice, or even tucked into a warm tortilla for a delicious shrimp taco.
• Healthy and light: Shrimp is a lean protein source and is low in calories, making these skewers a healthy choice. With the addition of fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs, you'll be treating yourself to a nutritious meal without sacrificing on taste.

Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Shrimp
• Cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Lemon juice
• Oregano
• Cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

See recipe card for Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe quantities.

How to make Shrimp Skewers with Veggies

What to serve with Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the shrimp skewers over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa. The grains will soak up the flavors from the skewers and provide a satisfying base for the meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Since you already have some veggies on the skewers, consider grilling additional vegetables to serve alongside. Bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms are great choices. Drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill them until tender and slightly charred.
• Salad: A refreshing salad can complement the shrimp skewers perfectly. Consider a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. Alternatively, a Mediterranean-inspired salad with feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs would also work well.
• Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up any remaining juices and flavors from the shrimp skewers. It's a delicious and comforting addition that rounds out the meal.

Substitutions

• Shrimp: If you prefer a different type of seafood, you can substitute the shrimp with scallops, cubed fish (such as cod or tilapia), or even lobster tail chunks for a more luxurious option.
• Cherry Tomatoes: If you're not a fan of cherry tomatoes or want to add more variety, you can replace them with other vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or chunks of pineapple for a touch of sweetness.
• Olive Oil: You can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils like canola oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Swap out garlic powder with minced fresh garlic cloves for a stronger garlic flavor. Alternatively, you can use garlic paste or garlic salt, but remember to adjust the amount used to taste.
• Paprika: If you're looking for a milder or spicier flavor, you can replace paprika with smoked paprika for a smoky taste, or cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Lemon Juice: If you don't have fresh lemons on hand, you can substitute lemon juice with lime juice or even orange juice for a citrusy tang.
• Oregano: If you're not a fan of oregano, you can replace it with dried basil, thyme, or rosemary for different herbal notes.
• Cilantro: If you're not a fan of cilantro or looking for an alternative herb, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, basil, or mint for a different flavor profile.

Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe Variations

• Cajun-style Shrimp Skewers: Add a Cajun twist to your skewers by seasoning the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, which typically includes a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other spices. This will give your skewers a spicy and flavorful kick.
• Teriyaki Shrimp Skewers: Create an Asian-inspired version by marinating the shrimp in a homemade teriyaki sauce or store-bought teriyaki marinade. The sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki pair well with the shrimp and veggies. Consider adding pineapple chunks to the skewers for an extra burst of tropical sweetness.
• Mediterranean Shrimp Skewers: Infuse your skewers with Mediterranean flavors by using a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Thread the shrimp with cherry tomatoes, red onions, and chunks of bell peppers. Serve the skewers over a bed of couscous or quinoa and accompany them with tzatziki sauce or a lemony Greek yogurt sauce.
• Coconut Curry Shrimp Skewers: Give your skewers an exotic twist by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of coconut milk, curry powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Thread the shrimp and cherry tomatoes onto skewers and grill them until cooked. Serve the skewers over a bed of jasmine rice and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
• Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers: For a refreshing and herbaceous flavor, combine lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, and dill), and olive oil to make a marinade. Use this marinade to coat the shrimp and cherry tomatoes before threading them onto skewers. Grill until the shrimp are cooked through and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Check out my Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe.

Equipment

To make shrimp skewers, you will need the following equipment:

• Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers are commonly used for making shrimp skewers. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
• Grill or Grill Pan: You can cook shrimp skewers on an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan. The grill will give the shrimp a nice charred flavor and grill marks, while the grill pan allows you to cook indoors if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.
• Mixing Bowl: A mixing bowl is useful for marinating the shrimp and combining the spices, herbs, and other ingredients for the marinade.
• Tongs or Skewer Turner: Tongs or a skewer turner will come in handy for flipping the skewers on the grill and handling them safely without disturbing the arrangement of the ingredients.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You will need a cutting board and a sharp knife to peel and devein the shrimp, as well as to chop any vegetables or herbs for the skewers.
• Basting Brush: If you choose to baste the skewers with any marinade or sauce during grilling, a basting brush is useful for evenly coating the shrimp and vegetables.
• Plate or Platter: Use a plate or platter for serving the cooked shrimp skewers.

How to store Shrimp Skewers with Veggies

To properly store shrimp skewers with veggies, follow these guidelines:

1. Cool Down: Allow the shrimp skewers to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation and moisture buildup in the storage container.
2. Separate the Skewers: If the skewers are still threaded with shrimp and veggies, remove them from the skewers. This will make it easier to store and preserve the ingredients.
3. Store in an Airtight Container: Place the shrimp and veggies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure the container is properly sealed to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.
4. Refrigeration: Store the shrimp skewers in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.
5. Reheating: When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the shrimp skewers gently to prevent overcooking. You can warm them up in the oven at a low temperature or quickly pan-fry them until heated through.

Shrimp Skewers with Veggies Recipe Top tips

• Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the shrimp and veggies. This will help prevent the skewers from burning on the grill.
• Marinate for Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate in the seasoning and marinade mixture for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the shrimp with flavor and enhance their taste.
• Thread Ingredients Properly: When threading the shrimp and veggies onto the skewers, ensure they are evenly spaced and properly secured. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from falling off during grilling.
• Don't Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be mindful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery and lose their tenderness. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the shrimp.
• Optimal Grilling Temperature: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures proper cooking and helps achieve those desired grill marks.
• Baste for Moisture: While grilling, you can baste the shrimp skewers with some of the leftover marinade or a little olive oil to keep them moist and add extra flavor.
• Season Veggies Separately: If using different types of vegetables, consider seasoning them separately from the shrimp. This allows you to adjust the seasoning according to each vegetable's flavor profile and cooking time.
• Serve Immediately: Shrimp skewers are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while they are still hot and flavorful. Serve them straight off the grill for the best taste and texture.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.