These quick and easy oven-baked shrimp skewers are juicy, full of flavorful, and marinated in a simple lemon-garlic and herb dressing. The shrimp cook in minutes and make for the perfect weeknight dinner!
Quick and easy oven-baked shrimp skewers
Shrimp is my go-to for quick and easy meals; it’s so delicious and ready in minutes. Some of my top recipe picks include this shrimp poke bowl, these baja shrimp tacos, and this grilled BBQ shrimp. Shrimp is incredibly easy to make and the perfect high-protein, lean meal.
But let’s talk about oven-baked shrimp skewers. They’re a game-changer. It’s hands down the easiest and best way to enjoy shrimp. No mess, minimal fuss, and ready in minutes! You don’t have to wait for a grill to heat up outside; you can enjoy tasty shrimp in the cold months, and clean-up is a breeze.
But the real magic is that it’s not just that this recipe is easy to make; it is also protein-packed, healthy, gluten-free, keto, and dairy-free. There is NO BUTTER! Nearly all oven-cooked shrimp call for lots of butter, but don’t worry, not here.
The shrimp are juicy, succulent, and flavorful. They are marinated in the most delicious and simple olive oil, lemony, herb, and garlic dressing. And, best of all, you can use fresh or frozen shrimp!
Once marinated, these shrimp skewers bake up to perfection, with a mouthwatering combination of flavors that’ll remind you of a fine dining experience right at home. I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy these oven-baked shrimp skewers!
Why you’ll love this healthy recipe:
- Easy Preparation: Oven-baked shrimp are quick and simple to make in under 8 minutes.
- Flavorful: The shrimp are marinated in a simple but flavorful garlic, lemon, and herb dressing.
- Quick Cooking: Shrimp cook in minutes in the oven.
- Juicy & Tender: The olive oil and lemon juice make the shrimp so juicy.
- Use Frozen Shrimp: You can use frozen shrimp too.
- Versatile: Serve as a main course, appetizer, or in salads.
- Low-Calorie: Shrimp are protein-rich and low in calories.
- Crispy Texture: Baking results in a slightly crisp exterior, but juicy interior.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Try this delicious grilled BBQ shrimp or these top-rated baja shrimp tacos next
Ingredients needed
These juicy and flavor shrimp skewers are cooked in the oven and call for simple ingredients. Here is a list of exactly what you will need to make this recipe:
- Large Shrimp: Whether you choose frozen or fresh, make sure they’re deveined and cleaned. Shrimp is packed with lean protein!
- Olive Oil: It adds moisture and healthy fats to the shrimp, enhancing flavor and preventing them from drying out.
- Lemon: Both lemon juice and zest are essential for flavoring the shrimp. They introduce acidity and tang to balance the richness of the shrimp.
- Garlic: For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic.
- Fresh Parsley: This brings a burst of herbaceous freshness; it’s incredibly vibrant!
- Onion Powder: It elevates the overall savory depth of flavor.
- Paprika: This ingredient contributes a mild, smoky, and slightly sweet undertone to the shrimp.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.
Kitchen tools needed
These oven-baked shrimp skewers are so easy to make in under 10 minutes. Here is a list of kitchen utensils you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Grater or Zester
- Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper
- Metal or Wooden Skewers
- Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon
How to make shrimp skewers in the oven
Oven-baked shrimp skewers are so easy to make. They are tangy, flavorful, high in protein, and healthy. Here are step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference:
Step 1:
Begin by patting your peeled and deveined shrimp dry using paper towels. If using wooden skewers, start soaking them in water now.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the olive oil (or avocado oil), lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Then, add the shrimp and toss until well combined. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours.
Step 3:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. I like to spray it with olive oil, too lightly.
Step 4:
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers starting at the sharp end of the skewer. Repeat this process until you have 4 to 5 skewers holding 4 to 6 shrimp each.
Tip: I recommend metal skewers. But you can also use wooden skewers; make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes so they do not burn in the oven.
Step 5:
Bake the shrimp skewers in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes. The shrimp are done when they are light pink and opaque. You can broil during the last minute if you want crispier edges (mimics a sear).
Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, which can become rubbery.
Serve the baked shrimp skewers while they are still warm. I like to spoon the remaining marinade on top before serving. You can garnish them with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices. Enjoy!
Recipe tips for home cooks:
- Don’t Over-Marinate: Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours. Over-marinating can change the texture of the shrimp.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning in the oven.
- Using Frozen Shrimp: Place the frozen shrimp in a sealed, leak-proof bag in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes, occasionally changing the water. Once they’re pliable, drain and pat them dry before marinating.
- Optional Broiling: If you like a slightly crispy exterior, you can broil the skewers for the last minute to mimic a sear.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the baked shrimp skewers while still warm for the best taste and texture.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your personal taste. You can make the recipe spicier, more citrusy, or milder as desired.
What to serve with shrimp skewers:
Shrimp skewers go well with so many dishes. Here are our top picks:
- Rice: Try brown, jasmine, or short-grain rice.
- Salad: Remove the shrimp from the skewers and add it on top of this strawberry goat cheese salad, orzo pesto salad, or this caesar salad.
- Garlic Bread: There’s nothing better than buttery, crisp garlic bread as a side.
- Pasta: Shrimp skewers go super well with a simple side of lemon caper pasta or this butternut squash pasta.
- Roasted Potatoes: You can serve them with cheesy scalloped sweet potatoes or something simpler like crispy fingerling potatoes.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try serving them with roasted veggies – we love these crispy balsamic maple brussel sprouts and this crispy broccoli and cauliflower.
- Bruschetta: Try serving it with toasted bread topped with tomato and basil.
- Breadsticks or Rolls: Fillings and simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use wooden or metal skewers?
You can use either wooden or metal skewers. Wooden skewers need to be soaked in water for about 30 minutes before using to prevent burning in the oven. Metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking; let them cool before handling.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
For best results, marinate the shrimp for at least 15-30 minutes, but you can marinate them for up to a two hours to enhance the flavor.
Are shrimp skewers healthy?
These shrimp skewers are healthy. They are a great source of protein and are low in calories. This recipe uses minimal oil, and it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, and low-carb. Plus, there is no butter in this recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp for skewers?
You can use frozen shrimp for skewers, but thaw them in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.
Can I make shrimp skewers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and marinate the shrimp in advance. However, it’s best to thread them onto skewers just before cooking to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy.
How long does it take to bake shrimp in the oven at 425F°?
Bake shrimp in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 6 to 8 minutes until they turn light pink and opaque.
How do you know when shrimp is done in the oven?
Shrimp is done in the oven when it turns light pink, becomes opaque, and the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C).
How to store and reheat shrimp skewers:
Storing: Place leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the skewers on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. I don’t recommend reheating in the microwave because the shrimp can become rubbery.
If you loved this recipe, try these shrimp dishes next!
- Shrimp Poke Bowl
- Baja Shrimp Tacos
- Grilled BBQ Shrimp
- Harissa Shrimp with Couscous
- Al Pastor Shrimp Tacos
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Oven Baked Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, or avocado oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, about half a lemon
- 3 – 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ – 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ – ½ tsp black pepper
- For serving: chopped parsley & lemon slices
Instructions
- Begin by patting your peeled and deveined shrimp dry using paper towels. If using wooden skewers, start soaking them in water now.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the olive oil (or avocado oil), lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp and toss until well combined. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 20 – 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. I like to lightly spray it with olive oil, too.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers starting at the sharp end of the skewer. Repeat this process until you have 4 to 5 skewers, each holding 4 to 6 shrimp each. I recommend metal skewers. But you can also use wooden skewers; just make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes, so they do not burn in the oven.
- Bake the shrimp skewers in the preheated oven for a total of 6 to 8 minutes. The shrimp are done when they are light pink and opaque. You can broil during the last minute if you want crispier edges (mimics a sear). Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Serve the baked shrimp skewers while they are still warm. I like to spoon the remaining marinade on top before serving. You can garnish them with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Leave a Reply