Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Herb Rice is a light, vibrant, and wholesome dish featuring succulent grilled shrimp and vegetables served atop fluffy lemon-scented rice. Paired with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki dip, this Mediterranean-inspired meal is perfect for warm-weather dining, healthy weeknight dinners, or entertaining guests with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and visual appeal. The shrimp is tender and juicy, thanks to a simple yet flavorful marinade. Fresh herbs and lemon brighten the rice, while the creamy tzatziki sauce adds a cooling contrast. It’s an ideal make-ahead meal that is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for low-carb or dairy-free diets. Plus, it comes together quickly and is easy to prepare on the grill or stovetop.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp Skewers:

• large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• zucchini, sliced into half moons
• red onion, cut into chunks
• olive oil
• garlic cloves, minced
• smoked paprika
• dried oregano
• salt and pepper
• wooden skewers, soaked in water

For the Lemon Herb Rice:

• basmati or jasmine rice
• water
• olive oil or butter
• fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• lemon juice
• salt

For the Tzatziki Dip:

• plain Greek yogurt
• cucumber, grated and squeezed
• garlic, minced
• lemon juice
• fresh dill, chopped
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, mix shrimp, zucchini, red onion, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
2. Prepare the Skewers: Thread shrimp and vegetables alternately onto pre-soaked wooden skewers.
3. Grill the Skewers: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
4. Cook the Rice: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add rice and a pinch of salt. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
5. Finish the Rice: Stir in olive oil or butter, lemon juice, and chopped fresh herbs. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
6. Make the Tzatziki Dip: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
7. Serve: Plate the lemon herb rice, top with grilled shrimp skewers, and serve with a generous spoonful of tzatziki and lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with halloumi cheese or marinated tofu cubes.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the shrimp marinade.
• No Grill: Cook skewers in a grill pan or broil in the oven for similar results.
• Citrus Herb Rice: Use lime juice and cilantro for a fresh twist on the rice.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve skewers over cauliflower rice or a salad instead of regular rice.
• Dairy-Free Tzatziki: Use a plant-based yogurt to make the dip dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store shrimp, rice, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Shrimp skewers can be frozen after cooking. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Rice can also be frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave. Rice can be reheated with a splash of water in a covered pan. Tzatziki should not be heated—serve it fresh.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.

How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?

Cook over medium-high heat and remove from the grill as soon as the shrimp turn pink and opaque—about 2–3 minutes per side.

Can I use metal skewers?

Absolutely. Metal skewers are reusable and don’t need soaking.

What type of rice works best?

Basmati and jasmine rice are both excellent choices due to their fluffy texture and mild flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving. Reheat gently if needed.

What vegetables can I add to the skewers?

Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms are great additions to the skewers.

Is the tzatziki essential?

It’s highly recommended as it adds flavor contrast, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

15–30 minutes is sufficient. Avoid marinating for more than an hour, as the acid can start to “cook” the shrimp.

Can I cook the shrimp in the oven?

Yes. Bake the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Conclusion

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Herb Rice is a fresh, vibrant, and balanced dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining outdoors, this recipe offers a complete, satisfying plate of juicy shrimp, herbed rice, and creamy tzatziki. Easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and packed with flavor, it’s a go-to for healthy and delicious dining.

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