There’s something truly magical about the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. These honey garlic grilled shrimp skewers are one of those recipes that make you feel like a backyard barbecue superstar—even if it’s just Tuesday dinner with the fam. They come together so quickly, look absolutely gorgeous, and taste like a summer celebration on a stick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I first made these for a spontaneous dinner party, and the entire platter vanished in minutes—our guests were licking their fingers and asking for the recipe before dessert even hit the table! Whether it’s family night or you’re entertaining, these are always a showstopper.
- Quick and easy prep—ready in under 30 minutes
- Sweet, garlicky marinade that’s totally irresistible
- Perfect for grilling season (or stovetop grill pans!)
- Great as an appetizer, main dish, or even tucked into tacos
- Kid-approved and dinner guest-adored
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but recommended)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers
Pro Tips
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Use wild-caught shrimp if possible for better texture and flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens up the marinade—don’t skip it!
- Want a little kick? Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and ginger.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and gently toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 15–30 minutes (no longer than 1 hour).
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, about 4–6 per skewer, depending on size.
- Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t over-marinate! Shrimp are delicate and can get mushy in acidic marinades.
- Watch them closely while grilling—shrimp cook fast and just need a couple of minutes on each side.
- Double the marinade and set some aside before adding the shrimp for drizzling later (never reuse used marinade!).
- If using a grill pan, a quick spritz of nonstick spray keeps things from sticking.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
- Add pineapple chunks or bell peppers to the skewers for a tropical twist.
- Serve over jasmine rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
- Tuck into warm tortillas with slaw for golden shrimp tacos.
- Make it a platter party! Serve with grilled veggies, breadsticks, and dipping sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before marinating for the best results.
How do I keep shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Brush your grill grates with oil before cooking, and avoid moving the shrimp too early—let them sear and release naturally.
What can I use instead of a grill?
A stovetop grill pan or broiler works just fine. You can even sauté them in a skillet if you’re in a pinch!
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and ginger in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and marinate for 15–30 minutes in the fridge.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grates.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill 2–3 minutes per side.
- Garnish with herbs and serve hot.
Nutrition: 220 calories per serving
Did you make these shrimp skewers? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Snap a photo, tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or drop your tips and twists in the comments below. Let’s keep making dinner time downright delicious—together!
