If you’re craving something juicy, vibrant, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe deserves a place on your dinner table. It brings together succulent shrimp, a boldly tangy-sweet marinade, and the irresistible char that only grilling can provide. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking to shake up weeknight dinners, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors in a truly approachable way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is how each ingredient plays a starring role. There’s nothing complicated here—just everyday kitchen staples coming together to make magic with color, texture, and layers of flavor.
- Shrimp (1 ½ lbs, large, peeled and deveined, tails on): Fresh, plump shrimp soak up all the delicious marinade and become perfectly juicy on the grill.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): This is the backbone of the marinade, lending deep umami without overwhelming saltiness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds the perfect touch of sweetness and helps the shrimp caramelize beautifully as they grill.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Nutty and aromatic, sesame oil gives the marinade a signature Asian-inspired flavor.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): This offers brightness and balance, ensuring the marinade isn’t too heavy.
- Fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon): That extra pop of citrus brings everything to life and complements the shrimp.
- Grated fresh ginger (2 teaspoons): The zip of ginger cuts through the sweetness and adds a fresh, lively bite.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Fragrant and savory, garlic infuses the shrimp with unmistakable depth.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For just a subtle kick of heat, add as much (or as little) as you like.
- Chopped green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish): These finish the dish with fresh color and a final boost of flavor.
How to Make Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl. The aroma alone gives you a preview of how irresistible your shrimp will be. This simple mixture is the ticket to layering in both sweetness and savoriness.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add the shrimp right into the bowl with your marinade. Be generous in tossing them to coat every nook and cranny. Pop a lid or some plastic wrap on top and let them chill in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. This is all the time they need to soak up that bold, balanced flavor—no overnight marinating required!
Step 3: Prep Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, submerge them in water while the shrimp marinates. This helps keep them from burning on the grill. While the shrimp absorbs those flavors, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high; you want it nice and hot for a good sear.
Step 4: Thread and Grill
Once marinated, thread the shrimp onto your skewers—about 5 or 6 per skewer depending on their size. Make sure to discard the marinade after; it’s done its job! Place the skewers on your preheated grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until the shrimp turn delightfully pink and opaque.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your shrimp skewers right from the grill to a serving platter. Sprinkle them with chopped green onions and a generous shower of sesame seeds. Serve them hot and just watch how quickly they disappear.
How to Serve Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
This is where you really get to make the dish your own. Besides those essential green onions and sesame seeds, a squeeze of extra lime or even a few sprigs of fresh cilantro will add layers of color and zing. For a little crunch, try topping with thinly sliced radishes too.
Side Dishes
The Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up any savory juices. If you want a lighter meal, toss together a crisp cucumber salad or serve alongside cold soba noodles dressed with a splash of soy and lime.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, serve the skewers on a long platter lined with banana leaves for that extra wow factor. For a fun twist, remove the shrimp from the skewers and pile them into lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and herbs. Or tuck them onto a salad for a light, show-stopping lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, leftover shrimp skewers can be wrapped or transferred to an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit, making them just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked shrimp if needed! Simply remove the shrimp from the skewers and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and keep for up to a month. For best results, defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. You could also microwave them briefly on medium power, but don’t overdo it as shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I make the Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill handy, use a grill pan on your stovetop, or even broil the skewers in your oven. The shrimp will still get that lovely char and all the bold flavor from the marinade.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Twenty to thirty minutes is just right! Shrimp are delicate, so a short marinating time is plenty for this Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe to infuse every bite with flavor without making the shrimp mushy.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating. This allows the marinade to cling properly and helps your shrimp grill up with a perfect sear.
What size shrimp works best?
Large shrimp are ideal for skewers—they’re substantial enough to stay juicy on the grill and are easy to handle. If you have medium shrimp, just adjust the grilling time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute your favorite certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and you’ll have a completely gluten-free version of this delicious dish.
Final Thoughts
There are few things more satisfying than a meal that’s as bright and lively as it is easy to make. The Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors, irresistible aromas, and effortless cooking. Invite your friends, fire up the grill, and savor this crowd-pleasing favorite—and don’t be surprised when everyone wants the recipe!
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Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers are bursting with flavor from a delicious marinade of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and fresh ginger. Perfect for a quick and tasty summer BBQ!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add shrimp, coat, and refrigerate.
- Prep Skewers: Soak wooden skewers, thread marinated shrimp onto them.
- Grill: Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with rice, noodles, or a cucumber salad.
- If no grill, broil in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
