Grilled Shrimp Lemon Dipping

When summer hits and I crave fresh flavors without fuss, grilled shrimp skewers with zesty lemon and a just-tangy-enough dipping sauce are my no-fail recipe. This dish comes together quickly and feels as festive for weeknights as it does for special gatherings on the patio.

I first threw these on the grill for a last-minute family barbecue and everyone was reaching for seconds before the last skewers were off the heat. Now it is a go to when I want to impress without much effort.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: peeled and deveined with tails on brings sweetness and cooks up juicy get the freshest you can
• Olive oil: infuses richness and helps with charring use extra virgin for the best taste
• Garlic: minced deepens savory flavor fresh cloves work best
• Smoked paprika: imparts earthy smokiness Spanish style adds a real grillhouse vibe
• Salt and black pepper: brings essential seasoning flake salt makes a big difference
• Lemon juice: citrus brightens everything real lemons over bottled every time
• Fresh parsley: optional for color and freshness flat leaf is best
• Lemon wedges: for squeezing over at the table delivers a tangy burst
• Wooden or metal skewers: for grilling soak wood in advance to avoid burning

For the dipping sauce

• Mayonnaise: creamy base is classic choose good quality for richness
• Dijon mustard: gives tang and depth opt for smooth not grainy
• Lemon juice: sharpens flavors and brings balance
• Honey: touch of sweetness rounds things out use local if you can
• Garlic powder: quick hit of mellow allium flavor
• Salt and pepper: for adjusting the final taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak Skewers:

If using wooden skewers immerse them in water for at least twenty minutes This keeps them from burning on a hot grill

Make the Marinade:

Mix olive oil minced garlic smoked paprika fresh lemon juice salt and black pepper in a bowl Stir well until glossy

Marinate the Shrimp:

Toss cleaned shrimp in the marinade until well coated Let the shrimp sit for at least fifteen minutes Room temperature is best for even grilling

Make the Dipping Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise Dijon mustard lemon juice honey garlic powder salt and pepper in a bowl Whisk until fully smooth Cover and refrigerate so the flavors meld

Thread the Shrimp:

Arrange shrimp on skewers about four or five per stick Pack snugly but do not crowd for even heat exposure

Grill the Shrimp:

Place the skewers on a preheated medium high grill Cook about two to three minutes per side until shrimp turns distinctly pink and edges are just charred Avoid overcooking for tender shrimp

Serve and Garnish:

Move the grilled shrimp to a clean plate Scatter with chopped parsley if using Add fresh lemon wedges and a bowl of the dipping sauce for dipping

Save

My kids love helping thread the shrimp and always try to sneak the first skewer off the plate Their favorite part is squeezing lemon over the still sizzling shrimp and dunking into the creamy sauce

Storage Tips

Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days Reheat gently or enjoy cold over a simple salad The dipping sauce stays fresh for about three days in a sealed jar

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use frozen shrimp in a pinch just thaw and pat very dry before marinating Smoked paprika is wonderful but regular paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder can swap in easily For a dairy free sauce sub in your favorite plant based mayo

Serving Suggestions

Thread extra veggies like bell peppers or red onion onto the skewers for colorful sides Serve with grilled corn or a crisp green salad for a complete meal These are the first to disappear at potlucks especially with chilled white wine

How Grilled Shrimp Skewers Came to Be

Across the world grilling seafood with bright flavors is a summer ritual Mediterranean cooks often add a garlic lemon marinade similar to this I love how a simple marinade and live fire can create such restaurant worthy results in your own backyard

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes before grilling to keep them from burning and splintering.

→ What keeps shrimp tender and juicy on the grill?

Marinating shrimp in olive oil and citrus adds moisture, while quick grilling over medium-high heat locks in tenderness.

→ Can I substitute metal skewers for wooden ones?

Yes, metal skewers work well, require no soaking, and are reusable for future grilling.

→ Is the dipping sauce suitable for other seafood?

Absolutely—this creamy, tangy sauce pairs well with grilled fish, crab cakes, or fried calamari.

→ What’s the ideal grill time for shrimp skewers?

Shrimp cook quickly—grill 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred for best texture.