Grilled Shrimp Skewers 🍤

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If you haven’t tried pairing shrimp and sausage before, you’re in for a delicious surprise. My grilled shrimp skewers recipe combines juicy shrimp and flavorful Italian sausage, all marinated in a zesty herb blend. This combination is grilled to perfection, making every bite a delightful experience. Trust me, these skewers will be a hit with everyone!

This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo

Side view of grilled shrimp skewers with sausage slices, seasoned with herbs, arranged on parchment paper with a charred lemon half and dipping sauce in the background.

Table of Contents

7 Reasons To Love This Recipe

Get ready to savor every bite of this tasty grilled shrimp skewers recipe! Here are 8 reasons why you'll love it:

  1. It’s shrimp on a stick that’s grilled. What's not to love?
  2. The flavors of the marinade and shrimp meld so well together.
  3. It’s an easy recipe that can even be prepped ahead of time.
  4. This is an alternative recipe to bacon-wrapped shrimp, and it tastes better.
  5. Leftovers work great as a topping on a salad.
  6. Perfectly low carb and packed full of flavor.
  7. You can reheat these shrimp skewers, so they work for meal planning too.

Are Grilled Shrimp Skewers Low Carb?

Yes, grilled shrimp skewers are low-carb. This recipe contains less than 1 g net carbs per serving, giving low-carb dieters a license to splurge!

Best Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe!

When it comes to grilling, these shrimp skewers are hands down my favorite. There's something magical about the combination of juicy shrimp and savory Italian sausage, all wrapped up and kissed by the grill's smoky heat. The grilled shrimp skewers marinade brings it all together with its zesty blend of herbs and spices, giving each bite a burst of flavor. I remember the first time I made these for a family cookout, and they were an instant hit. Everyone was raving about how delicious they were, and I couldn't keep up with the demand!

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a little prep, you can have a gourmet-quality meal ready in no time. Plus, it's a great way to get everyone involved in the cooking process. My kids love helping me skewer the shrimp and sausage, and it’s become a fun family tradition. Whether you’re a grilling pro or just starting out, these grilled shrimp skewers are a surefire way to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Ingredient List

Here is the list of ingredients you'll need to make grilled shrimp on skewers:

For the Shrimp

  • 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ pound Italian sausage (250g)

For the Mediterranean Marinade

  • 1 lemon, halved (lightly squeezed to obtain 1 tablespoon of juice)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Labeled ingredients for grilled shrimp skewers including olive oil, shrimp, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, lemon juice, dried basil, granulated garlic, dried parsley, kosher salt & pepper, lemon, and Italian sausage.

Ingredient Substitutions

Looking to switch things up or just want to use what you have on hand? Here are some simple ingredient substitutions for this grilled shrimp scampi skewers recipe:

  • Italian sausage: Use bratwurst or kielbasa. Garlic sausage would also be delicious.
  • Olive oil: Use avocado oil.
  • Lemon wedges: You can use lime, but it's more tart and doesn't pair as well with the sausage. Lightly juice the lemon to get 1 tablespoon of juice, then grill it to squeeze over the skewers. You can also use lemon zest.
  • Dried oregano, basil, and parsley: Substitute with 1.5 teaspoons of a store-bought Italian seasoning mix.
  • Granulated garlic: Use garlic powder or mince fresh garlic (note: fresh garlic may burn on the outdoor grill before the shrimp finish cooking).
  • Red pepper flakes: Omit if you don't like heat. For a fruity alternative, use Aleppo pepper flakes.

Additional Ingredients

Want to add a little extra flair to your spicy grilled shrimp skewers? Here are some easy ingredients that pair perfectly with the main ingredients:

  • Veggies: Adding red bell pepper or onion slices is tasty. Pre-cook them on the grill with the sausage before assembling the shrimp skewers, as they take longer to cook than shrimp.
  • Mustard: A small dollop of mustard adds a sharpness that cuts through the fats from the shrimp and sausage.
  • Sauces: Setting aside some Mediterranean marinade before brushing the shrimp makes a great sauce with fresh herbs. My lemon herb sauce is my favorite sauce, with bright lemon flavors complementing the herbs. Try fresh tomato coulis for a delightful tomato flavor that dances across the tongue with the shrimp and sausage. So good.

Note: These ingredients are not part of the original recipe- use them to enhance or customize the recipe to your liking.

Cooking Tools Required

Here's a list of the cooking tools you'll need to make these grilled shrimp skewers:

How To Season Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

Here are a few seasoning tips to make sure every bite is packed with deliciousness:

  1. Marinate for maximum flavor: The Mediterranean marinade, with its blend of olive oil, lemon juice, dried herbs, and spices, infuses the shrimp and sausage with vibrant and tangy flavors.
  2. Let it sit: For the best results, let the shrimp skewers marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the shrimp and sausage.
  3. Brush it on: Before grilling, brush the skewers with extra marinade for grilled shrimp skewers to ensure they stay moist and flavorful while cooking.
  4. Season generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and sausage.
  5. Finish with a squeeze: After grilling, give the skewers a final burst of freshness with a squeeze of grilled lemon or an extra drizzle of the shrimp marinade.
Close-up view of grilled shrimp skewers with slices of Italian sausage, seasoned with herbs, placed on parchment paper with a bowl of dipping sauce and parsley in the background.

How To Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Complete Cooking Guide

Cooking Method

  • Grilling

Preparation Steps

  1. Preheat the grill
  2. Add the sausage and lemon halves to the grill. The lemon halves should be face down.
  3. Cook the sausage for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cook time. It does not need to be cooked through, as it will continue cooking with the shrimp.
  4. Remove the lemons and sausages from the grill. Set the lemons aside.
  5. Slice the sausage into ½” to ¾” discs and set aside to cool.

Preparation of the Mediterranean Marinade:

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients. Set aside.

Preparation of the Shrimp Skewers:

  1. Start by skewering the shrimp through the thickest part of the shrimp, piercing from the back of the shrimp. When the tip comes through the leg side, place a disc of the sausage and pierce through to the other side. Wrap the shrimp around the sausage and pierce through the tail. You have just made a delicious shrimp skewer.
  2. Set on a platter and brush with the Mediterranean Marinade on both sides.
  3. Repeat the process for the remaining shrimp skewers.
  4. Allow to marinate in the fridge for about 20 minutes… or, if you’re in a hurry, just go ahead and get to grilling.

Cooking Steps

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (gas grill).
  2. Add the shrimp skewers to the hot grill. Cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Flip the skewers over and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. You will know the shrimp is cooked when they are pink and white, with no remaining gray.
  5. Remove from the grill.
  6. Squeeze the grilled lemon over the top, or add some additional Mediterranean Marinade.

Cooking note: To prevent contamination, avoid using any Mediterranean Marinade that has been in contact with raw shrimp on cooked shrimp. It's best to double the batch of marinade and separate it before basting to ensure food safety.

Adding olive oil to a green mixing bowl with a whisk and a plastic bag nearby on a concrete surface

Step 1: Add olive oil to a mixing bowl to start preparing the marinade.

Adding red pepper flakes to the green mixing bowl with a whisk on the side and a plastic bag in the background

Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients to the olive oil in the mixing bowl.

Mixing spices and olive oil in the green bowl with a whisk on a concrete surface

Step 3: Whisk the marinade ingredients together until well combined.

Slicing Italian sausage on an olive wood cutting board with charred lemons and a bowl of marinade in the background

Step 4: Slice the Italian sausage into ½-inch pieces on an olive wood cutting board. Char the lemon halves on a grill or pan.

Skewering shrimp and Italian sausage on bamboo sticks with grilled lemons and shrimp in bowls in the background

Step 5: Begin skewering the shrimp and Italian sausage. 

Holding a skewer with shrimp and Italian sausage over a white plate with ingredients in the background

Step 6: Thread a shrimp onto the skewer, followed by a slice of sausage, and then another shrimp.

Preparing skewers of shrimp and sausage on a white plate with a bowl of marinade and charred lemons in the background

Step 7: Continue skewering until all the shrimp and sausage slices are used.

Arranging skewers of shrimp and sausage on a white plate with a bowl of marinade and a basting brush nearby

Step 8: Arrange all the prepared shrimp and sausage skewers on a plate.

Step 9: Brush the prepared marinade generously over the skewers, ensuring each piece is well coated.

💡 My Pro Tip

Pre-cooking the sausage might seem like an extra step that disrupts the recipe flow, but it's crucial for optimal results. Here's why:

  1. When assembling the skewers, thin slices of raw sausage can be difficult to handle, often slipping out of their casings and complicating the process. Moreover, pork, chicken, or turkey sausages cook much slower than shrimp. If cooked together from raw, the shrimp would inevitably overcook, resulting in a tough, rubbery texture and loss of their delicate flavor.
  2. To streamline preparation, use leftover grilled sausage. By planning ahead and grilling extra sausage, you can effortlessly assemble delicious grilled shrimp skewers the next day without the hassle of precooking. This method ensures both the sausage and shrimp are perfectly cooked and flavorful.

Moreover, I have an extensive guide on Grilling Tips so check it out to ace this unique cooking method!

⏲️ Time-Saving Tips

  • Utilize leftover sausages to skip the cooking and cooling process.
  • Prepare the sauce in advance.
  • Double the marinade and divide it, ensuring you have extra for dipping without the last-minute rush to prepare more.

What To Serve With Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

Grilled shrimp skewers are amazing appetizers, and they pair excellently with a variety of sides. The best way is to make grilled shrimp skewers with veggies! Here are some great food pairings for a complete meal:

  • Cauliflower Potato Salad: The creamy texture of the salad complements the grilled shrimp skewers, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  • Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole: The richness of the casserole adds depth to the light and grill shrimp skewers.
  • Roasted Asparagus: The crispness of roasted asparagus provides a delightful contrast to the tender shrimp if you want to enjoy a perfect dinner.
  • Greek Salad: The fresh Mediterranean flavors of a Greek salad harmonize beautifully with the Mediterranean marinade of the shrimp skewers.
  • Sautéed Spinach: Lightly seasoned sautéed spinach serves as a nutritious and flavorful side dish recipe to enhance the meal.
Overhead view of grilled shrimp skewers with slices of Italian sausage, seasoned with herbs, laid out on parchment paper alongside a bowl of dipping sauce and charred lemon halves.

Storage, Freezing, And Reheating Instructions

Storage Tips

Store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container. For best results, enjoy them within a day for optimal freshness. If eating the next day, simply remove from the skewer and enjoy cold for a tasty treat.

Reheating Tips

For best results, reheat gently over low heat in a covered pan with 1-2 tablespoons of water. Heating slowly ensures the frozen shrimp becomes tender and flavorful. Avoid high or direct heat or microwave, as this may make the shrimp dry and tough. Patience is key when reheating this recipe to preserve its deliciousness.

Recipe Conclusion

About a decade ago, I was fixated on pairing shrimp solely with bacon, experimenting with various dishes. During a visit to Florida to see my Dad, a chef introduced me to grilled shrimp with andouille sausage—a revelation in flavor combinations where the spicy sausage complemented the shrimp in unexpected ways.

Since then, I've continued to explore shrimp and sausage pairings, culminating in these grilled shrimp skewers—a harmonious blend of flavors. The Mediterranean Marinade adds a perfect contrast that balances each bite, enhanced by the refreshing squeeze of grilled lemon.

Feel free to share any questions or suggestions in the comments below. You can also connect with me on Facebook or Instagram for more culinary adventures!

Close-up of grilled shrimp skewers with visible slices of Italian sausage, seasoned with herbs and lightly charred from grilling.

More Shrimp Recipes To Try

If you love shrimp and are craving more recipes, check out these:

A hand holding a grilled shrimp skewer with a slice of Italian sausage, seasoned with herbs, ready to be dipped in a bowl of sauce.

FAQs

Grilling time varies based on shrimp size and grill heat. Jumbo shrimp typically take 3-6 minutes; ensure they're no longer translucent for doneness. Smaller shrimp cook faster, while large prawns may need more time.

Grill shrimp over high heat briefly. Medium heat can dry them out by cooking too long, losing natural juices. High heat seals in moisture, keeping shrimp plump and flavorful.

Yes, metal skewers work well. Bamboo skewers are my preference for safety, but metal retains heat longer, so handle with care when removing shrimp.

Yes, using one shrimp per skewer is a common and effective method for grilling shrimp skewers. This allows each shrimp to cook evenly and ensures they're easy to handle and serve individually.

Grilled shrimp skewers with slices of Italian sausage, garnished with herbs and oil, accompanied by grilled lemon halves and a bowl of dipping sauce.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Quick and easy-to-make, these grilled shrimp skewers are a flavorful and healthy summer dish! Marinate large shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs and spices, then grill to perfection. Serve with a side of quinoa, salad, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Perfect for a quick dinner, party appetizer, or potluck contribution.
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Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: grilled shrimp, grilled shrimp skewer, grilled shrimp skewer recipe, grilled shrimp skewers, shrimp and sausage, shrimp skewer, shrimp skewer recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Sausage Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 12 shrimp skewers
Calories: 123kcal
Author: Scott Groth

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 12 large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • ½ pound Italian sausage 250g

For the Mediterranean Marinade

  • 1 lemon halved (lightly squeezed to obtain 1 tablespoon of juice)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat the grill
  • Add the sausage and lemon halves to the grill. The lemon halves should be face down.
  • Cook the sausage for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cook time. It does not need to be cooked through, as it will continue cooking with the shrimp.
  • Remove the lemons and sausages from the grill. Set the lemons aside.
  • Slice the sausage into ½” to ¾” discs and set aside to cool.

Preparation of the Mediterranean Marinade

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients. Set aside.

Preparation of the Shrimp Skewers

  • Start by skewering the shrimp through the thickest part of the shrimp, piercing from the back of the shrimp. When the tip comes through the leg side, place a disc of the sausage and pierce through to the other side. Wrap the shrimp around the sausage and pierce through the tail. You have just made a delicious shrimp skewer.
  • Set on a platter and brush with the Mediterranean Marinade on both sides.
  • Repeat the process for the remaining shrimp skewers.
  • Allow to marinate in the fridge for about 20 minutes… or, if you’re in a hurry, just go ahead and get to grilling.

Cooking Steps

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (gas grill).
  • Add the shrimp skewers to the hot grill. Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Flip the skewers over and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • You will know the shrimp is cooked when they are pink and white, with no remaining gray.
  • Remove from the grill.
  • Squeeze the grilled lemon over the top, or add some additional Mediterranean Marinade.

Notes

If you love the look of these grilled shrimp skewers as much as I do, let me know in the comments... also, any questions or suggestions can be left in the comments too!
Enjoy these with your friends and family- so good!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Amount Per Serving (1 skewer)
Calories 123 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Trans Fat 0.002g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 40mg13%
Sodium 301mg13%
Potassium 87mg2%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 0.3g1%
Sugar 0.2g0%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 52IU1%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 19mg2%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”

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Scott Groth image for I'd Rather Be A Chef

I'm Scott, just a regular guy who has experienced amazing benefits from embracing a low carb (occasionally keto) lifestyle. Join me as I share low carb recipes that are family friendly, delicious and fun to eat.

Discover more about me in my Bio, explore whether my Low Carb Journey resonates with you, and if you also believe we are stronger together, then sign up for my LOW CARB NEWSLETTER.

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