Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers

These Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers bring the essence of Texas Roadhouse right to your backyard. With juicy jumbo shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon herb blend, they offer a delightful mix of char, citrus, and bold seasoning. They’re simple, fast, and made to impress — perfect for weeknight meals or weekend barbecues. Whether served with rice, veggies, or crusty garlic bread, this recipe adapts to every summer occasion. It’s also great as an appetizer or party platter. Pair with a chilled drink, and you’ve got a refreshing, flavor-packed dish that feels straight off the grill master’s table.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds jumbo shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Lemon wedges, for garnish

Directions:

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, but no more than 1 hour.

4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

5. Thread 4–6 shrimp onto each skewer.

6. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until opaque and slightly charred.

7. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 16 minutes
Kcal: 289 kcal | Servings: 4

The Story Behind Texas Roadhouse Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp has long been a favorite in American households, but the version made famous by Texas Roadhouse elevated it to a whole new level. Known for its juicy, flavorful skewers and perfectly charred finish, Texas Roadhouse grilled shrimp is more than just a side dish or appetizer — it’s a celebration of simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor.

This recipe captures the essence of that dish, bringing restaurant-quality results right to your home kitchen. With just a few fresh ingredients, including jumbo shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, it’s easy to see why this grilled shrimp recipe is beloved by many. The marinade is vibrant, zesty, and slightly spicy, giving the shrimp layers of flavor in just minutes. Best of all, it takes less than 20 minutes from prep to plate, making it a true weeknight hero.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to love this grilled shrimp recipe, but here are the standout benefits:

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes under 20 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

• Healthy Yet Delicious: Shrimp is a lean source of protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine.

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip the long wait and the price tag at Texas Roadhouse — this copycat recipe gives you the same delicious experience without leaving your house.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as an appetizer, entrée, or part of a party platter, these grilled shrimp skewers are always a hit.

• Flexible Cooking Methods: Don’t have a grill? No problem! These shrimp can also be broiled or cooked on a grill pan with excellent results.

The Secret is in the Marinade

What sets this recipe apart is its marinade. A well-balanced combination of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano, and paprika gives the shrimp an incredible depth of flavor. The lemon juice adds brightness and helps tenderize the shrimp, while the olive oil ensures they stay juicy and don’t dry out on the grill. Garlic and herbs bring freshness and aroma, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick — though you can adjust the spice level to suit your preference.

It’s important not to marinate the shrimp too long. Unlike tougher proteins, shrimp absorb flavors quickly and can start to “cook” in the acid from the lemon juice. Keeping the marinating time between 15 minutes to 1 hour is ideal for perfectly tender results.

Perfect for All Occasions

Grilled lemon herb shrimp skewers aren’t just for dinner. They’re incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Appetizers at BBQs or parties: Serve the skewers on a platter with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, cocktail sauce, or a yogurt-based herb dip.

• Main Course with Sides: Pair them with Cilantro Rice, Roasted Veggies, or Ciabatta Garlic Bread for a complete meal.

• Tacos and Wraps: Remove the shrimp from the skewers and use them in tacos with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado.

• Salads: Slice them and toss with fresh greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad.

• Bowls: Layer them with grains like quinoa, couscous, or farro, and top with a drizzle of tahini or chimichurri.

Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp

Even though this is a simple recipe, a few extra tips can elevate your results:

• Use Jumbo Shrimp: Bigger shrimp (16/20 count) are easier to skewer and stay juicy during grilling. Smaller shrimp may overcook quickly.

• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp only need about 2-3 minutes per side. As soon as they turn opaque and pink, they’re done.

• Skewer Like a Pro: Thread shrimp through the tail and the head end to keep them secure and flat on the grill.

• Char for Flavor: Allow the grill to get hot enough to create those iconic grill marks and slightly charred edges.

• Soak Wooden Skewers: To prevent burning, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp isn’t just tasty — it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains around 20 grams of protein and less than 100 calories. It’s naturally low in fat and carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto, paleo, Whole30, and other low-carb diets.

Additionally, shrimp contains important nutrients like:

• Selenium: Supports thyroid function and immunity.

• Vitamin B12: Essential for red blood cell formation and neurological health.

• Iodine: A critical nutrient for proper thyroid function.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Beneficial for heart health.

When paired with olive oil — a heart-healthy fat — and antioxidant-rich herbs and lemon juice, this grilled shrimp recipe becomes a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.

Grilling Alternatives and Indoor Options

No outdoor grill? No worries. Here are a few indoor alternatives that still yield excellent results:

• Broiler: Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes per side.

• Grill Pan: Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat and grill shrimp indoors.

• Air Fryer: Place marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

These methods allow you to enjoy grilled shrimp year-round, regardless of the weather or your kitchen setup.

Pairing Ideas and Beverage Suggestions

For a complete meal, think beyond the shrimp. These pairing ideas will elevate your dining experience:

• Sides: Cilantro-lime rice, corn on the cob, roasted asparagus, or herbed couscous.

• Sauces: Garlic butter, chimichurri, spicy mayo, or a lemon tahini drizzle.

• Beverages: Pair with light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer beer, go for a crisp lager or a citrusy IPA. Sparkling water with lemon or lime is also a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Make It Your Own – Variations to Try

This recipe is fantastic as-is, but it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ways to personalize it:

• Add a smoky twist: Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika.

• Turn up the heat: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.

• Go Mediterranean: Add a touch of cumin and serve with tzatziki.

• Try citrus blends: Use a combo of lemon, lime, and orange juice for a citrus-marinated shrimp.

• Add fresh veggies: Grill bell peppers, zucchini, or onions alongside the shrimp for a colorful skewer mix.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Although this dish is best served fresh off the grill, there are ways to prep ahead:

• Marinade Prep: The marinade can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

• Shrimp Storage: Marinate shrimp for up to 1 hour max before grilling. Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating Tips: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for just 30–45 seconds to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse-inspired grilled shrimp recipe is a shining example of how simplicity and quality ingredients come together to create something truly special. With its bright lemony marinade, bold herbs, and tender grilled texture, it’s the perfect dish for just about any occasion — from quick weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues with friends.

Not only is it easy to make and packed with flavor, but it’s also healthy, versatile, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite restaurant flavors at home or impress your guests with a show-stopping seafood dish, these grilled shrimp skewers are sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Let the grill do the magic, and enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite.