Grilled Seafood Skewers

Grilled Seafood Skewers

• Author: kenzie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Description

These Grilled Seafood Skewers are juicy, buttery, and full of smoky flavor. Loaded with shrimp, tender seafood, sweet corn, and savory sausage, then brushed with garlic herb butter, they’re the perfect summer grilling recipe. Every bite is packed with flavor, making this dish ideal for BBQs, gatherings, or a special dinner your audience will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Skewers:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
• 8 oz smoked sausage (cut into chunks)
• 2 ears corn (cut into small rounds)
• 1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
• 1/2 red onion (cut into chunks)

For the Marinade / Butter Sauce:

 

• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Clean and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry with paper towels so they absorb the marinade better. Cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces, and chop the corn into small rounds that can fit easily on skewers. Prepare the bell pepper and onion into evenly sized chunks for even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Marinade

In a bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is combined. This mixture should be rich, slightly tangy, and full of garlic flavor.

Step 3: Marinate the Seafood and Veggies

Add shrimp, sausage, corn, and vegetables into a large bowl. Pour the marinade over everything and toss gently to coat evenly. Let it sit for about 15–20 minutes so the flavors soak in. Avoid marinating shrimp too long to keep them tender.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread shrimp, sausage, corn, and vegetables onto skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful and balanced skewer. Leave a little space between pieces so heat can circulate evenly while grilling.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water beforehand to avoid burning.

Step 6: Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with extra garlic butter while cooking to keep everything juicy and flavorful. The shrimp should turn pink and slightly charred, while the sausage and vegetables develop a nice grilled texture.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove from the grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

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Notes

• Don’t overcook shrimp, they cook quickly and can become rubbery
• Brush with extra butter during grilling for extra flavor
• Cut ingredients evenly for consistent cooking
• Use metal skewers or soak wooden ones to prevent burning
• Add lemon at the end for a fresh finish

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per serving
• Calories: 320

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with rice, grilled potatoes, or corn on the side
• Pair with a fresh salad or coleslaw
• Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal
• Add dipping sauces like garlic butter or spicy mayo
• Perfect for BBQ platters or party meals

Prep Time / Cook Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Info (Approx.)

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 18g
Sugar: 4g

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly as long as you thaw it properly before using. Place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or run it under cold water for a quicker method. Make sure to pat the shrimp completely dry before marinating, because excess moisture can dilute the marinade and prevent proper grilling. Using thawed shrimp also helps achieve better texture and ensures even cooking on the grill.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within a few minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn from gray to pink and form a slight “C” shape. If they curl tightly into an “O,” it usually means they are overcooked. The texture should be firm but still juicy, not rubbery. Keeping an eye on them while grilling is important since they can overcook fast.

Can I make these skewers without a grill?
Absolutely. If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or even in the oven. For oven cooking, place them on a baking sheet and broil for about 6–8 minutes, turning once halfway through. You’ll still get a nice charred effect and delicious flavor, especially if you brush them with extra butter during cooking.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the marinade shortly before cooking to keep the shrimp from becoming too soft. Preparing ahead makes grilling quick and easy, especially for parties or gatherings.

What seafood works best for skewers?
Shrimp is the most popular choice because it cooks quickly and holds well on skewers, but you can also use scallops, chunks of salmon, or firm white fish like cod or halibut. The key is to choose seafood that can hold its shape during grilling and cook at a similar rate for best results.