If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner for busy weeknights, these Pesto Shrimp Skewers are the ticket! You only need a couple ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make these flavorful shrimp.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Shrimp are one of my go-to proteins for a quick dinner because they take literally minutes to cook. These pesto shrimp take no time to prepare and are perfect for an easy dinner when you’re short on time.
- Healthy and Light: Shrimp are a great source of protein and calcium, and marinating them in fresh basil pesto keeps this dish super light.
- Versatile: Serve these skewers as an appetizer, main dish, or even over a fresh salad for a light and satisfying meal.
- Kid-Friendly: Little kids love shrimp because they’re easy to chew, sweet and delicious. Plus, the fun presentation of shrimp on skewers make this dish even more appealing to kids. Food is just more fun on a stick like Chicken on a Stick, Halibut Pesto Kabobs and Chicken Tikka with Cucumber Mint Raita.
The Ingredients
- Pesto: Use your favorite store-bought pesto or make your own homemade pesto with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Peeled and Deveined Shrimp: I always have shrimp in my freezer. It make this recipe super convenient and fast. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.
*For a full list of ingredients, measurements and instructions, see the recipe card below*
Variations and Substitutions
There aren’t many substitutions you can make in a recipe with only two ingredients, but you can absolutely try different types of pesto to switch up the flavor profile. If classic basil pesto isn’t for you, try Hemp Seed Pesto, Kale Pesto or even Pumpkin Seed Pesto. If you don’t love shrimp, this Halibut Pesto Kabobs recipe could be a good fit!
How to Make Pesto Shrimp Skewers
Step 1: Place the shrimp in a bowl with the pesto. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. While the shrimp marinate, preheat the broiler.
Step 2: Thread the marinated shrimp onto your skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water beforehand to avoid burning. Or cover the ends with aluminum foil.
Step 3: Place the skewers on a cookie sheet and cook under the broiler for just 3 minutes. No need to turn them—this short cooking time ensures the shrimp stay juicy and tender.
Step 4: Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes or over a bed of pasta with additional pesto.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip the Soak: If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes or cover the exposed ends with aluminum foil. This prevents them from catching fire under the broiler. Alternatively, you can skip the skewers entirely and just broil the shrimp on a sheet pan.
- Keep an Eye on the Broiler: The broiler cooks quickly, so make sure to watch your shrimp to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp are tough, rubbery, and not as yummy!
- Serve Immediately: These skewers are best enjoyed hot off the broiler, so serve them right away for the best texture and flavor. I like to serve these as the main entrée, or toss them with this lemon shrimp pasta!
- Save Time with Frozen Shrimp: Using frozen shrimp can save you time (and money!). They also thaw quickly making them a great ingredient to keep on hand in the freezer.
FAQs
Absolutely! Just place the skewers on a preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the pesto sticks well.
If you’re not a fan of pesto or want to switch things up, try my Shrimp Scampi, Coconut Baked Shrimp or Greek Style Shrimp recipes!
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
This easy pesto shrimp recipe is a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With minimal ingredients and a quick cook time, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or even entertaining guests. Let me know what you think of this recipe by leaving a comment and rating below!
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Pesto Shrimp Skewers
Equipment
- Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pesto (homemade pesto recipes in the notes below)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak for 30 minutes)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place the pesto, shrimp and salt in a bowl. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- While the shrimp marinate, preheat the oven broiler.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. (If you're using wooden skewers, see note below)
- Place the skewers on a cookie sheet and cook under the broiler for just 3 minutes. There’s no need to turn them.
Notes
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- Don’t Skip the Soak: If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes beforehand or cover the exposed ends with aluminum foil. This prevents them from catching fire under the broiler. Alternatively, you can skip the skewers entirely and just broil on a sheet pan.
-
- Serve Immediately: These skewers are best enjoyed hot off the broiler, so serve them right away for the best texture and flavor. I like to serve these as the main entree, or toss them with this lemon shrimp pasta!
-
- Save Time with Frozen Shrimp: Using frozen shrimp can save you time (and money!). Thaw and pat dry before tossing with the pesto.
- Homemade Pesto Recipes: Basil Pesto Recipe, Kale Pesto, Hemp Seed Pesto
alternative for basil in the pesto?
This may be a stupid question but do I have to use skewers? Can I just put them in the broiler?
Sure! 🙂
Loved this…wondering if you could do the same thing with bbq sauce or other marinades?