Print

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp Skewers

crispy garlic parmesan grilled shrimp skewers - featured image

Quick, flavorful, and fuss-free grilled shrimp skewers coated with a crispy garlic Parmesan crust, perfect for summer BBQs and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for presentation if you like)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish and freshness)
  • Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
  • Crusty bread or grilled summer corn (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry shrimp help the Parmesan stick better and prevent steaming on the grill. (About 5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until it forms a slightly coarse paste. It should be thick enough to cling to the shrimp but not runny. (3 minutes)
  3. Add the dried shrimp to the bowl and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the mixture. Let it sit for 10 minutes to help the flavors meld and the cheese adhere better during grilling.
  4. Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving a little space between each one to ensure even cooking. Don’t pack them too tight or they might steam instead of getting that crisp exterior.
  5. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  6. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once carefully with tongs. Look for the Parmesan to turn golden and crispy, and the shrimp to turn opaque with a slight pink hue. Avoid overcooking or shrimp will turn rubbery. (Total cook time: 5-6 minutes)
  7. Remove skewers from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of sides. (Serve within 5 minutes for best texture)

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly to ensure Parmesan sticks and crisps well. Use fresh grated Parmesan for best results. Oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Flip shrimp only once to maintain crispy crust. If Parmesan starts to burn, reduce heat or move skewers to cooler part of grill. For dairy-free option, substitute Parmesan with crushed nuts and nutritional yeast. Broil in oven if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled shrimp, garlic Parmesan shrimp, shrimp skewers, summer BBQ, easy shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp, grilled seafood