Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers

There’s something magical about a skewer sizzling over a hot grill the smell of fresh herbs, garlic, and smoky seafood filling the air. These Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers are exactly that kind of summer magic: fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make. With a zesty chimichurri sauce coating succulent jumbo shrimp, served alongside juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy tzatziki, this dish is a true celebration of bold flavors and simple cooking techniques.

Whether you’re entertaining guests, hosting a weekend barbecue, or craving a quick weeknight meal that feels special, these skewers will impress everyone at the table. The bright, herbaceous notes of chimichurri paired with tender shrimp create a flavor profile that’s light yet indulgent, making this a perfect dish for warmer months but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want it year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and zesty: Chimichurri adds a punch of flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
• Healthy and light: High in protein, low in carbs, and packed with fresh herbs and veggies.
• Family- and guest-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the vibrant flavors.
• Versatile: Serve over rice, with bread, or alongside salads for a complete meal.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need for these vibrant skewers:

Chimichurri Sauce

• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ½ cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 small Fresno chile, finely chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt

Shrimp and Extras

• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, raw
• ½ cup tzatziki, for serving
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved, for serving
• Bread or rice, for serving

Servings: 4

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Grill or grill pan
• Skewers (metal or wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
• Medium mixing bowl for chimichurri
• Small whisk or fork
• Tongs for grilling
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving platter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create perfectly grilled, flavorful shrimp skewers coated in bright chimichurri.

Step 1: Make the Chimichurri Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, chopped Fresno chile, dried oregano, and salt. Whisk until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside to let flavors meld while prepping the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them completely. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry with paper towels, then place in a large bowl. Toss the shrimp with half of the chimichurri sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate for 10–15 minutes for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the shrimp onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow even cooking. Alternate with cherry tomatoes if desired for extra flavor and color.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are pink, opaque, and slightly charred on the edges. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle with remaining chimichurri sauce and serve with tzatziki on the side, plus cherry tomatoes, bread, or rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Spice adjustment: Omit or reduce the Fresno chile for a milder version.
• Veggie add-ons: Bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion skewered alongside shrimp add color and nutrition.
• Marinate longer: For more intense flavor, marinate shrimp for up to 30 minutes, but no longer to avoid “cooking” the shrimp in the acidic vinegar.
• Oven or broiler method: No grill? Broil the skewers in the oven for 4–5 minutes per side.
• Make it Mexican-style: Add lime juice and chopped cilantro before serving for a bright twist.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These skewers are:

• Fresh and herbaceous: Parsley and oregano create a bright, green note.
• Garlicky and slightly spicy: Fresno chile and garlic add warmth and depth.
• Juicy and tender: Proper grilling ensures perfectly cooked shrimp.

Drink Pairings:

• White wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño
• Beer: Light lager or wheat beer
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lime, iced herbal tea

Side Suggestions:

• Grilled vegetables or corn on the cob
• Fluffy rice or couscous
• Crusty bread to mop up the chimichurri sauce

Nutritional Overview (Estimated per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	2 g

Dietary Notes:

• High-protein, low-carb, and heart-healthy
• Gluten-free
• Can be made dairy-free if skipping tzatziki or using coconut yogurt

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chimichurri: Make sauce up to 2 days ahead; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Shrimp prep: Peel, devein, and marinate shrimp 15–30 minutes ahead.
• Skewering: Assemble skewers 10 minutes ahead; keep covered in the fridge.
• Leftovers: Store cooked shrimp and vegetables separately in the fridge for 1–2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, but thaw completely first. Pat dry to ensure even grilling.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Replace shrimp with marinated tofu, halloumi, or large mushroom caps for a plant-based version.

Q: Can I prepare this indoors without a grill?
A: Absolutely! Use a grill pan or broiler. Cook 2–3 minutes per side for juicy results.

Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: Mild to medium—adjust Fresno chile quantity to taste.

Q: Can I freeze the shrimp skewers?
A: Raw shrimp skewers can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before grilling. Cooked skewers freeze less well due to texture changes.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Task	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total
Make chimichurri sauce	10 min	–	10 min
Prep shrimp & skewers	10 min	–	10 min
Grill skewers	–	4–6 min	4–6 min
Serve & garnish	2 min	–	2 min
Total	20 min	4–6 min	24–26 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve skewers family-style on a long platter with chimichurri drizzled on top.
• Accompany with bowls of tzatziki, cherry tomatoes, and warm bread or rice for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• For a fun party option, serve individual skewers on plates with small side salads for easy portioning.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Citrus Chimichurri Shrimp: Add lime zest and juice to chimichurri for a tangy twist.
2. Mediterranean Skewers: Add marinated olives, bell peppers, and red onion to each skewer.
3. Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers: Brush cooked shrimp with melted garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan before serving.

Ingredient Spotlight: Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri is the heart of this dish. Fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil create a vibrant, aromatic sauce that elevates simple shrimp into a flavorful feast.

Tips for the Best Chimichurri:

• Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor.
• Chop ingredients finely for even distribution on shrimp.
• Let the sauce sit for 10–15 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Even shrimp cooking: Use jumbo shrimp for uniform size and consistent doneness.
• Avoid overcooking: Shrimp cook quickly; remove from grill when pink and opaque.
• Skewer spacing: Leave a small gap between shrimp pieces to ensure proper grilling.
• Enhance flavor: Brush shrimp with chimichurri while grilling to intensify the taste.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Chimichurri sauce: Refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• Raw shrimp skewers: Freeze up to 1 month; thaw before cooking.
• Cooked shrimp skewers: Best eaten immediately; refrigerate for 1–2 days if necessary.
• Tzatziki: Store separately in the fridge up to 3 days.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	310 kcal	Mainly from shrimp and olive oil
Protein	28 g	High-protein, low-carb
Carbs	12 g	Includes cherry tomatoes and optional rice/bread
Fat	20 g	Healthy fats from olive oil
Fiber	2 g	Increase fiber by adding more veggies

Conclusion

Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers are a light yet indulgent dish, perfect for summer dinners, casual gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal that feels special. With vibrant chimichurri, tender shrimp, and fresh accompaniments like cherry tomatoes and tzatziki, this recipe combines freshness, bold flavors, and simplicity in one gorgeous plate.

Whether served with rice, bread, or just as-is on skewers, these skewers are sure to become a staple in your grilling rotation. Quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, they prove that the best meals are often the ones that celebrate fresh ingredients and uncomplicated techniques. Fire up your grill, grab your skewers, and bring the taste of summer straight to your table!

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