These Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers will transform your summer grilling. Bright, herb-forward chimichurri combined with tender, juicy shrimp makes a quick, impressive meal—ready in just 29 minutes.
Bring big flavor to grilled shrimp
Meet your new go-to for easy summer dinners: Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers. A simple, vibrant chimichurri sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil pairs perfectly with quick-cooking shrimp. This recipe is designed to be fast, fresh, and full of flavor—ideal for weeknights or backyard cookouts.
The chimichurri is versatile: use it to marinate, finish, or spoon over shrimp, vegetables, grilled chicken, or grain bowls. It’s fresh, bright, and bold, making even a small number of ingredients taste like a celebration.
How to make them
Start by making the chimichurri sauce: combine fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper; then stir in extra virgin olive oil. Reserve about half of the sauce to brush on the cooked shrimp. Toss a portion of the chimichurri with lime juice and raw shrimp, seal in a bag, and let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes. While the shrimp marinates, preheat a grill to medium heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (soak wooden skewers in water first to prevent burning). Grill the skewers 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove from the grill and brush generously with the reserved chimichurri to finish.
What to serve with it
These chimichurri shrimp skewers pair well with salads, rice, or grains for a balanced meal. For an easy weeknight dinner, serve with a simple mixed green salad or a hearty grain like quinoa. Here are a few inspired pairings:
- Quinoa Caprese-style salad with cherry tomatoes and basil
- Mexican-style rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Quinoa corn salad with avocado dressing
- Cucumber and arugula salad with a light vinaigrette
You can also slide the grilled shrimp into warmed tortillas for tacos, or serve alongside grilled vegetable skewers topped with extra chimichurri for a complete, flavorful plate.
Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Shrimp
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions
Make the Chimichurri
- Place parsley, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. If using a blender, add a splash (about 1–2 tablespoons) of olive oil to help the blades turn; a food processor will chop the herbs without added liquid.
- Blend briefly until herbs are finely chopped, about 15–20 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the remaining olive oil until combined. Reserve half the chimichurri for brushing after grilling.
Prepare and Grill the Shrimp
- Combine ¼ cup chimichurri, lime juice, and shrimp in a large resealable bag. Seal and refrigerate to marinate for 15 minutes. (Do not exceed 30 minutes; the acid can begin to break down shrimp texture.)
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Thread five shrimp onto each skewer, removing them from the marinade before skewering.
- Grill the shrimp skewers directly over the grates for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and brush generously with the reserved chimichurri sauce. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Marinating time: Shrimp should marinate no longer than 30 minutes to avoid the acid breaking down the flesh. Do not marinate overnight.
- Make ahead: Chimichurri keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks—great for meal prep and quick meals.
- Adjust heat: To tone down the spice, omit or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon.
Nutrition Facts
More shrimp recipes
Shrimp cooks quickly and adapts to many flavors, making it perfect for easy weeknight cooking. Try these other grilled and skillet shrimp ideas to vary your menu.
Shrimp Fajitas
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Garlic Lime Grilled Shrimp
