Get ready to fire up the grill for a dish that’s bursting with color, flavor, and just the right amount of heat—Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers. This recipe is a weeknight hero and a weekend showstopper, featuring plump shrimp and vibrant veggies all kissed by a zesty marinade. Whether you’re a grill master or a kitchen newbie, these skewers are an easy, healthy way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your backyard or table. Let’s get those skewers sizzling!

Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of fresh, simple ingredients can come together to create something truly crave-worthy. Each item in this list adds its own little spark—whether it’s bold color, satisfying crunch, or a hit of spice—to make these Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers totally irresistible.

Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show—choose fresh or frozen, and keep the tails on for extra flair if you like!
Red Bell Pepper (1, cut into 1-inch pieces): Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant red to your skewers.
Zucchini (1, thickly sliced): Brings a mild, tender bite and soaks up the marinade beautifully.
Red Onion (1, cut into chunks): Offers a punch of flavor and lovely purple color that caramelizes on the grill.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the marinade cling and adds richness.
Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens everything up and balances the heat.
Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha (2 teaspoons): The secret weapon for that signature spicy kick.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because every great marinade needs a little garlicky depth.
Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with grilled flavors.
Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Lends earthy warmth and complexity.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to bring all the flavors together.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a touch of extra heat and balance.
Wooden or Metal Skewers: Wooden skewers should be soaked to prevent burning—metal ones are ready to go!

How to Make Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers

Step 1: Prep Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a good soak in water for at least 30 minutes so they don’t scorch on the grill. This is the perfect time to prep the rest of your ingredients and enjoy the anticipation of what’s to come!

Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili garlic sauce (or sriracha), minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is where all the magic begins—the aromas alone will have you hungry before you even start grilling.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp and Veggies

Add your shrimp, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion straight into the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything until well coated, making sure each piece gets a generous share of that spicy, zesty mixture. Let it all mingle for at least 10 minutes (longer if you have the time for even bolder flavor).

Step 4: Thread the Skewers

Now for the fun part! Alternate shrimp and veggies on each skewer, mixing up colors and textures as you go. Not only does this make the Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers look gorgeous, but it also ensures an even cook and perfect flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates if needed to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the veggies are just tender with a little char. Keep a close eye—shrimp cook fast!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers from the grill and serve right away. You can squeeze on extra lime or shower them with fresh cilantro for a finishing touch. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way! Fresh cilantro, parsley, or even a scattering of sliced green onions bring a burst of color and flavor. Don’t forget lime wedges—an extra squeeze right before eating brightens up all the vibrant, spicy notes in the skewers.

Side Dishes

These Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers are delicious served over fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or a crisp green salad for an easy, well-rounded meal. For something special, try pairing them with grilled pineapple, corn on the cob, or warm pita bread to soak up any extra marinade.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the usual platter! Serve the skewers over a colorful salad bowl, tuck them into warm tortillas for spicy shrimp tacos, or arrange them on a big family-style platter with extra lime wedges and dipping sauces. These skewers are as stunning to look at as they are to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers, simply slide the shrimp and veggies off the sticks and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days and are fantastic tossed onto salads or rice bowls for a quick, flavorful lunch.

Freezing

While cooked shrimp can be frozen, the veggies tend to lose their crunch after thawing. If you want to prep in advance, freeze the raw, marinated shrimp separately and add fresh veggies when you’re ready to grill. This way, your Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers stay vibrant and tasty.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the shrimp and veggies in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, or give them a quick blast in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp—they’ll turn rubbery if heated for too long.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick, and you’ll still get juicy, flavorful results.

What other vegetables work well on these skewers?

Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and even chunks of fresh pineapple are delicious additions or swaps. Feel free to personalize your Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

How spicy are these skewers?

The heat level is totally customizable. Use less chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a milder flavor, or add a pinch of cayenne if you want to really turn up the spice!

Can I cook these skewers without a grill?

Yes! A grill pan on the stove works beautifully, or you can broil the skewers in your oven for similar charred edges and flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since shrimp cook quickly.

How far in advance can I marinate the shrimp?

The shrimp and veggies can be marinated for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Any longer, and the acidic lime juice may start to change the shrimp’s texture, so don’t let them sit overnight.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s healthy, quick, and sure to impress, Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers are calling your name. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and every bite bursts with bold, fresh flavors. Give them a try at your next cookout or weeknight dinner—you’ll be hooked!

Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful grilled dish featuring large shrimp marinated in a zesty chili garlic sauce, paired with fresh red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and colorful meal packed with protein and bold spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Marinade

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 zucchini (sliced into thick rounds)
1 red onion (cut into chunks)

Additional

Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)

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Instructions

Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
Make Marinade and Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and chopped vegetables to the bowl and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the marinade.
Assemble Skewers: Thread the shrimp and vegetables alternately onto the skewers, layering colors and flavors to your preference.
Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grill grates if necessary to prevent sticking.
Grill Skewers: Cook the skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, turning carefully, until shrimp are opaque and pink, and vegetables are tender-crisp with light char marks.
Serve: Remove from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish optionally with extra lime wedges or fresh cilantro for added brightness.

Notes

Serve these skewers over rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to make a complete meal.
For variety, you can swap in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or pineapple chunks on the skewers.
If using wooden skewers, ensure they are soaked thoroughly to avoid burning on the grill.
Adjust chili garlic sauce amount to your preferred spice level.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American