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Smoky, Spiced, and Packed with Middle Eastern Flavors!
If you’re looking for a fresh, bold, and ultra-flavorful shrimp dish, these Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs with Zhoug Sauce will become your new go-to summer favorite!
Juicy shrimp and vibrant vegetables are marinated in a simple yet zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and basil, then quickly grilled for a perfect char and smoky aroma. But the real game-changer? The Zhoug Sauce—a Middle Eastern-inspired herb sauce bursting with fresh cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, and warm spices.
This dish is easy to prepare, perfect for outdoor cookouts, and incredibly versatile—serve it with pita, rice, or salad for a light but satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed with Flavor – Smoky shrimp meets spicy, herby Zhoug sauce—a match made in heaven!
Quick & Easy – Only 4-6 minutes on the grill, making it perfect for a fast weeknight meal.
Healthy & Protein-Packed – High in lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Perfect for Grilling Season – Whether using an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan, this recipe works beautifully.
Meal Prep-Friendly – Marinate the shrimp ahead of time for an even deeper infusion of flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Shrimp Skewers:
🍤 1 ¼ lbs. extra-large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Adds a juicy pop of sweetness
🧅 1 small red onion, cut into 1-2” pieces – Caramelizes beautifully when grilled
🌶 1 red or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-2” pieces – Adds a touch of sweetness
🍡 8 metal skewers (or wooden skewers, soaked for 30 minutes)
For the Shrimp Marinade:
🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced – Infuses deep savory flavor
🌿 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped – Adds a fragrant, herbal freshness
🍋 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice – Brightens the marinade
🫒 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – Helps with even grilling
🧂 Sea salt & black pepper, to taste – Balances and enhances all flavors
For the Zhoug Sauce: 🌿🔥
🌿 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – The main star of Zhoug
🌿 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped – Adds depth and earthiness
🌶 4 fresh jalapeño peppers, stems & seeds removed – Adjust spice level to your liking
🫒 ½ cup extra virgin olive oil – Helps create a smooth, rich sauce
🧄 4 medium garlic cloves – For an aromatic, punchy flavor
🧂 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste) – Enhances all ingredients
🌍 1 teaspoon cumin – Adds a warm, earthy spice
🌱 ½ teaspoon ground coriander – Brings subtle citrusy notes
🌶 ½ teaspoon chili flakes – Optional, for extra heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp 🍤
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine shrimp, minced garlic, chopped basil, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
2️⃣ Toss well to coat evenly and let marinate for 30 minutes while preparing the Zhoug sauce.
Pro Tip: Marinating infuses the shrimp with amazing depth of flavor while keeping it juicy on the grill!
Step 2: Make the Zhoug Sauce 🌿🔥
1️⃣ In a food processor, add cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, sea salt, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes.
2️⃣ Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped.
3️⃣ With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the sauce reaches a thick, pesto-like consistency.
4️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
For a spicier Zhoug sauce, leave the jalapeño seeds in! 🌶🔥
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers 🍡
1️⃣ Thread shrimp and vegetables onto skewers in the following pattern:
Shrimp → Cherry Tomato → Red Onion → Shrimp → Cherry Tomato → Bell Pepper → Shrimp
2️⃣ Repeat until all ingredients are used.
Pro Tip: Leave a little space between shrimp on the skewer so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Kabobs 🔥
1️⃣ Preheat the grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium heat before cooking.
2️⃣ Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3️⃣ Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once.
4️⃣ The shrimp should be opaque, slightly charred, and cooked through.
For extra smoky flavor, grill over charcoal or wood chips!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy! 🍽
1️⃣ Transfer shrimp kabobs to a serving platter.
2️⃣ Drizzle with Zhoug sauce, or serve it on the side for dipping.
3️⃣ Garnish with extra cilantro or parsley, if desired.
4️⃣ Serve immediately, and enjoy this smoky, zesty, herby dish!
Pair with warm pita, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
How to Serve These Shrimp Kabobs
🥖 With Warm Pita & Hummus – A Mediterranean-inspired pairing.
🍚 Over Fluffy Rice – Try coconut rice, basmati, or turmeric-infused rice.
🥗 On a Fresh Salad – Serve over arugula, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
🍋 With a Side of Lemon Wedges – A final squeeze of lemon makes flavors pop!
Fun Variations & Customizations! 🎉
🔥 Spicy Zhoug Lovers – Add extra chili flakes or serrano peppers.
🍍 Sweet & Spicy Combo – Alternate shrimp with grilled pineapple chunks.
🌶 Harissa Twist – Add ½ teaspoon harissa paste to the shrimp marinade.
🍄 Veggie-Packed Version – Add zucchini or mushrooms to the skewers.
Try this variations too: Chipotle Lime Shrimp Kabobs – Bold, Smoky & Irresistible!
How to Store & Make Ahead
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze (Shrimp Only): Marinate and freeze raw shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw before grilling.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet for 2 minutes or eat cold in a salad!
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the Zhoug sauce up to 5 days in advance for easy meal prep!
Recommended Kitchen Tools (Amazon Picks!) 🛒
Food Processor – Makes Zhoug sauce smooth & effortless.
Metal Skewers – Reusable & heat-resistant.
Grill Pan – Great for indoor grilling.
Tongs – Essential for flipping shrimp without breaking them.
Final Thoughts
These Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs with Zhoug Sauce are the perfect mix of smoky, citrusy, and herby flavors. Whether you’re making them for a summer BBQ, a Mediterranean-themed dinner, or just a light, healthy meal, they’re guaranteed to impress!
✨ Fire up the grill and enjoy every flavorful bite! ✨
What’s Next?
✔ Tried this recipe? Let me know how you liked it!
✔ Share with your grill-loving friends!
✔ Bookmark this for your next cookout!
Enjoy your smoky, herby, and spicy shrimp skewers! 🍤🔥🌿
Grilled Spiced Shrimp Kabobs with Zhoug Sauce
Equipment
- Grill (or grill pan)
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Metal or wooden skewers
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Skewers:
- 8 metal skewers (or wooden skewers, soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1 ¼ lbs. extra-large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-2” pieces
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-2” pieces
For the Marinade:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Zhoug Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 fresh jalapeño peppers, stems & seeds removed
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 medium garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, chopped basil, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly and let marinate for 30 minutes while preparing the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Zhoug Sauce
- In a food processor, add cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, salt, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes.Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped.With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce reaches a thick, pesto-like consistency. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
- Thread the shrimp and vegetables onto skewers in the following pattern:Shrimp, cherry tomato, red onion, shrimp, cherry tomato, bell pepper, ending with another shrimp.Repeat until all ingredients are used.
Step 4: Grill the Kabobs
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium heat before cooking.Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve the shrimp kabobs hot, drizzled or served with Zhoug sauce on the side.Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, grill over charcoal or wood chips.
- For a spicier Zhoug sauce, leave the jalapeño seeds in.
- No grill? Use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to sear the kabobs.
- Pairing Suggestion: Serve with warm pita, rice pilaf, or grilled vegetables.