Mediterranean Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers
These grilled shrimp skewers are juicy, smoky, and full of fresh herb flavor from a zesty Mediterranean-style chimichurri sauce. The sauce doubles as both a marinade and a finishing drizzle, bringing brightness from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and optional spices. This recipe works beautifully for a backyard grill, stovetop grill pan, or even the oven broiler. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer gathering.
Time:
Prep: 20 minutes
Marinate: 20–30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook: 6–8 minutes
Total: ~45 minutes
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce
½ cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 cup packed flat-leaf leaves before chopping)
2 large garlic cloves, minced (or 3–4 smaller cloves)
Optional additions:
½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
¼ small red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 small fresno chile, finely chopped (for heat)
Salt, to taste
Shrimp and Skewers
1 to 1.5 lbs large or jumbo raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
8–10 skewers (metal or wooden; soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if grilling)
Optional marinade booster:
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
Make the Chimichurri:
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, parsley, garlic, and any optional add-ins you’d like (cilantro, red onion, honey, oregano, chile).
Season with salt to taste. Set aside ⅓ of the sauce in a small bowl for drizzling at the end.
Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, toss shrimp with about ½ of the chimichurri sauce (or mix in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper if you want to marinate separately).
Cover and marinate for 20–30 minutes in the fridge.
Skewer the Shrimp:
Thread shrimp onto skewers, about 4–5 shrimp per skewer, keeping them close together so they stay juicy.
Grill the Shrimp:
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan.
Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred at the edges. Do not overcook.
Serve:
Transfer skewers to a platter. Spoon reserved chimichurri sauce over the shrimp and serve warm.
Tips
Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook very quickly; as soon as they turn opaque and curl slightly, take them off the grill. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
Soak wooden skewers: If using wood, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Double the chimichurri: It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and tastes even better the next day. Great on chicken, steak, or roasted veggies too.
Make ahead: You can prep the chimichurri and marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance. Just skewer and grill when ready.
Control the heat: Use a mild chili for subtle spice or leave it out if you prefer a more herb-forward flavor.
Variations
Mediterranean Twist: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta and fresh lemon zest when serving.
Veggie Skewers: Thread bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes alongside the shrimp for a colorful skewer.
Citrus Swap: Use lime juice instead of lemon in the marinade for a brighter kick.
Butterflied Shrimp: If using jumbo shrimp, butterfly them before skewering for more surface area to soak up chimichurri.
Oven Option: If you don’t have a grill, broil shrimp skewers on high for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw them completely, pat dry to remove excess moisture, and then marinate as directed.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the chile you add to the chimichurri. For a mild flavor, skip the chile. For medium heat, use a small fresno or jalapeño.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the chimichurri sauce up to 5 days in advance and marinate the shrimp a few hours before cooking. Grill them fresh for best flavor.
Q: What can I serve with it?
These skewers pair beautifully with couscous, quinoa, grilled vegetables, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Q: Can I make this recipe without skewers?
Yes. You can simply marinate the shrimp and grill them directly in a grill basket or pan.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~280
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: <1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 540mg
(Values are approximate and depend on shrimp size and optional add-ins.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers are a fresh, vibrant, and quick-to-make dish that brings together smoky grilled shrimp and a zesty herb sauce. With minimal prep and just a few minutes on the grill, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests. The bold chimichurri pairs well with shrimp and can easily be used on other proteins or veggies, making it a versatile addition to your Mediterranean-inspired table.