High-Protein Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Per serving (about 6 oz shrimp)
How I calculate this → Calculate your protein target →
Shrimp cooks fast enough that the grill is mostly about timing, not technique. I thread them onto skewers so they're easy to flip all at once instead of chasing individual shrimp around the grates, and I pull them the moment they turn opaque and curl into a loose C shape. Past that point, shrimp goes from perfectly cooked to rubbery in under a minute, so this isn't a dish to walk away from.
Why you'll love this
- 33g of protein per serving for under 250 calories
- Ready in under 25 minutes
- Simple enough to season a dozen different ways
Recipe
High-Protein Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss the shrimp with the olive oil, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers, running the skewer through both the tail and head end of each shrimp so they lie flat and don't spin.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to high heat.
- Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque and curled into a loose C shape.
- Serve immediately.
Equipment
- Skewers (metal, or wooden soaked 30 minutes)
- Grill or grill pan
Notes
- I run the skewer through both ends of each shrimp, not just once through the middle. It keeps them flat against the grill grates instead of spinning every time you try to flip the skewer.
- A shrimp curled into a tight O shape is a sign of overcooking. A loose C is what you're after.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 236 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33g |
| Carbs | 0g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Shrimp reheats best gently, in a covered skillet over low heat for a minute or two; high heat will push it toward rubbery the second time around too.
FAQ
How do I know when shrimp is done?
It turns opaque and pink, and curls into a loose C shape. A tight, tucked-in O shape means it’s gone too far and will be tough.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw it fully first, either overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes, so it cooks evenly on the grill.
What size shrimp works best here?
Large or jumbo, so they don’t slip through the grates or overcook before they pick up any char. Smaller shrimp cook even faster and are easy to overshoot.
Looking for more grilled seafood: the grilled salmon is a heartier option for the same grill session.