There’s something undeniably satisfying about firing up the outdoor grill on a warm summer day. The sizzle, the aroma, and the taste of perfectly grilled seafood are simply irresistible. One of the most delectable options you can prepare this grilling season is Grilled Shrimp Boil Skewers.
These skewers are not only packed with flavor but also bring a taste of the classic shrimp boil to your grill, offering a perfect combination of Cajun seasoning, fresh lemon, and succulent shrimp.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making these mouthwatering shrimp boil kebabs. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply want a quick and delicious meal, these juicy shrimp skewers are sure to impress. Let’s dive in!
What Are Grilled Shrimp Boil Skewers?
Grilled Shrimp Boil Skewers are a creative twist on the traditional shrimp boil. Typically, a shrimp boil involves boiling shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage in a large pot seasoned with Cajun or Old Bay seasoning.
However, these shrimp boil kebabs bring all those wonderful flavors to the grill, creating a smoky, charred version of this beloved dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start grilling, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Shrimp Boil Skewers:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound of smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1-2 ears of corn, cut into 1-inch rounds
- 10-12 small red potatoes / baby potatoes, parboiled
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Preparing the Ingredients
1. Marinate the Shrimp
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and Old Bay seasoning. This mixture will serve as your marinade, infusing the shrimp with a deep, flavorful kick.
Toss the shrimp in this marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Potatoes and Corn
With a sharp knife, cut the corn cobs into 2 inch thick rounds.
To ensure that your potatoes and corn are perfectly cooked, you’ll want to parboil them before grilling. Place potatoes and corn in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes until they are fork tender.
Drain and set them aside in cold water to cool slightly.
These will be grilled along with the other ingredients, adding a sweet, smoky flavor to your shrimp boil skewers.
Assembling the Shrimp Boil Skewers
Now comes the fun part—assembling the skewers! Start by threading a piece of smoky sausage onto each wood skewer, followed by a shrimp, a round of corn, and a potato.
Continue this pattern until all the ingredients are used. Be sure to leave a little space between each item on the skewer to allow even cooking.
Grilling the Shrimp Boil Skewers
1. Preheat Your Grill
Before you start grilling, make sure your outdoor grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect for cooking shrimp skewers, allowing the shrimp to cook through without becoming tough and ensuring the vegetables and sausage get a nice char.
2. Grill the Skewers
Place the assembled shrimp boil skewers on the grill. Grill each skewer for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the vegetables have nice grill marks.
If you’re using an outdoor grill, you can also toss a few lemon wedges onto the grates. Grilling the lemon brings out its natural sweetness and makes it the perfect finishing touch for your skewers.
Serving Your Grilled Shrimp Boil Skewers
Once your shrimp boil kebabs are perfectly grilled, it’s time to serve them up. Arrange the skewers on a large platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and the grilled lemon pieces.
The combination of the smoky shrimp, savory sausage, sweet corn, and tender potatoes, all topped off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, is truly irresistible.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can also brush the skewers with melted unsalted butter mixed with seafood seasoning just before serving. This will give them a beautiful gloss and enhance the taste even further.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Boil Skewers
- Soak Your Wood Skewers: Make sure to soak the wood skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling your kebabs. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you do not have wooden skewers, you can also use long metal skewers as another option.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them while grilling. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough, so aim for just a few minutes on each side.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your shrimp boil skewers will taste. Opt for fresh, local shrimp and seasonal vegetables when possible.
- Experiment with Seasoning: While Cajun and Old Bay seasonings are classics for a shrimp boil, don’t be afraid to experiment with other seafood seasonings to find your perfect flavor profile.
Variations to Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize your Grilled Shrimp Boil Skewers:
- Spicy Shrimp Skewers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your marinade for an extra kick of heat.
- Garlic-Lemon Shrimp Skewers: Mix minced garlic and lemon zest into the marinade for a zesty, aromatic twist.
- Surf and Turf Skewers: Combine shrimp with steak cubes on the same skewer for a delicious surf-and-turf experience.
Pairing Suggestions
Grilled Shrimp Boil Skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and drinks. Here are a few ideas to complement your meal:
- Sides: Serve with a side of coleslaw, garlic bread, or a fresh garden salad.
- Sauces: Offer a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, Cajun butter, or cocktail sauce.
- Drinks: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a cold beer pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the shrimp boil kebabs.
Conclusion
Grilled Shrimp Boil Kabobs are a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional shrimp boil in a fun and portable format. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a quick and flavorful meal, these skewers are sure to become a favorite.
With just a few simple ingredients and some time on the grill, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. So, grab your wood skewers, fire up the outdoor grill, and get ready to enjoy a taste of summer with these incredible shrimp boil skewers!
Looking for other Shrimp Recipes?
Be sure to check out some of my other favorite recipes below!
Steak and Cajun Shrimp Alfredo – Perfectly grilled juicy steak paired with cajun shrimp lathered in a creamy Alfredo sauce. This is the ultimate dish to make for your next date night!
Steak and Shrimp Tacos with Chimichurri – Grilled steak and shrimp held together in a cheesy tortilla and topped with fresh Chimichurri. This will be one of the best tacos you’ve ever had!
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Grilled Shrimp Boil Skewers
Grilled Shrimp Boil Skewers are the perfect twist on the classic shrimp boil. Shrimp, potatoes, corn and sausage all perfectly grilled.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound of smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1–2 ears of fresh corn, cut into 1-inch rounds
- 10–12 small red potatoes / baby potatoes, parboiled
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Cut the corn into 2 inch thick rounds with a sharp knife.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil then place the cut up corn and potatoes in for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water when done.
- Assemble the skewers with smoky sausage, followed by a shrimp, a round of corn, and a potato.
- Place skewers on a preheated grill at 400°F and grill for 3-4 minutes each side. Remove when shrimp is opaque and the vegetables have grill marks.
- Give the skewers a spritz of fresh lemon, then brush on some melted butter and top with more old bay seasoning.
- Serve warm then enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
