When it comes to healthy, flavorful meals that come together quickly and keep you feeling light yet satisfied, few dishes can beat Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers.
Bursting with bright citrusy notes, smoky char from the grill, and the delicate sweetness of shrimp, this recipe is a low-carb dream.

Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, preparing a weeknight dinner, or just craving something fresh and clean, Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers are a fantastic option.
Not only are they easy to make and packed with protein, but they also work beautifully with keto, paleo, Whole30, and low-carb meal plans.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the perfect shrimp skewers, give you expert-level cooking tips, offer exciting variations, answer your most common questions, and close with a strong conclusion that ties it all together.

Why You’ll Love Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers

There are many reasons to fall in love with Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers, but here are the most compelling ones:

Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb: With virtually zero net carbs, shrimp is one of the best proteins for low-carb diets. Add lemon, garlic, and herbs, and you’ve got a flavorful powerhouse.

Quick & Easy: This meal comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.

Packed with Protein: Shrimp is a lean protein source that helps support muscle growth and keeps you full for hours.

Vibrant Flavor: The fresh lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, and smoked paprika create a perfectly balanced marinade that’s bright, zesty, and slightly smoky.

Naturally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: You won’t need to make any substitutions to keep this recipe friendly to most diets.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or meal-prepping for the week, Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients for Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers

These skewers use simple, fresh ingredients — most of which you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.

Main Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

To Serve:

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Lemon wedges

You can also optionally thread vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers, but we’re keeping it all shrimp for this classic version.

How to Make Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers

Follow this easy step-by-step process to achieve grilled shrimp perfection.

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until all the shrimp are well coated.
Let them marinate in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating longer than that, or the lemon juice can begin to cook the shrimp and make them rubbery.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill and Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from burning.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, piercing each one through the head and tail to hold it securely in place.

Step 3: Grill the Skewers

Once your grill is hot, place the skewers on the grates.
Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly charred on the outside. Be careful not to overcook.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

This recipe makes 4 servings, with about 180 calories per serving.

Tips for the Best Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers

To make sure your Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro-level tips:

Use Jumbo or Large Shrimp: They hold up better on the grill and are easier to cook evenly.

Dry Shrimp Before Marinating: Patting the shrimp dry with paper towels helps the marinade stick better and prevents steaming on the grill.

Preheat the Grill Properly: You want it hot enough to sear the shrimp quickly without overcooking them.

Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: It’s the most concentrated lemon flavor and gives the dish its signature zing.

Double the Batch: These go fast. If you’re cooking for more than four people, consider doubling the ingredients.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for a Keto Diet

The keto diet focuses on minimizing carbohydrates while emphasizing healthy fats and adequate protein.
Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers fit this profile perfectly:

Shrimp are extremely low in carbs and high in protein.
Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats.
The entire marinade contains almost no carbs.
The dish is naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free.

This recipe has approximately:

180 calories
23 grams of protein
8 grams of fat
1 gram of net carbs

It’s one of the easiest and tastiest ways to stay within your keto macros while enjoying a satisfying and gourmet-level meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to personalize your skewers? Here are some keto-friendly ways to switch it up:

Add Some Heat

Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Switch Up the Citrus

Try lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a Mexican or tropical flair.

Add Vegetables

Thread chunks of bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini in between the shrimp for variety and color.

Try a Herb Blend

Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or basil for a different twist.

Grill Indoors

Don’t have an outdoor grill? Use a grill pan or broil the skewers in the oven.

What to Serve with Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers

This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of keto sides. Here are a few ideas:

Cauliflower rice with herbs and lemon
Grilled asparagus or zucchini
Keto coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing
Avocado salad with cucumber and lime
Ratatouille with olive oil and garlic
Garlic butter mushrooms

These pairings keep your entire meal low in carbs while adding texture, nutrients, and even more flavor to the plate.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Shrimp is best fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious.

Refrigerating:

Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing:

While you can freeze grilled shrimp, they may become a bit rubbery when reheated.
It’s better to freeze the raw, marinated shrimp and grill them fresh when needed.

Reheating:

Warm the skewers briefly in a skillet over low heat or under a broiler for 1-2 minutes.
Avoid microwaving — it tends to overcook the shrimp quickly.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

This nutritional profile is based on a 4-serving yield from the recipe:

Calories: 180
Protein: 23g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Net Carbs: 1g

This makes Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers an ideal choice for keto, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free eaters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely, peel, and pat them dry before marinating.

Can I make this dish in the oven?

Yes. You can broil the skewers on a foil-lined sheet pan for 2–3 minutes per side.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate for 15–30 minutes. Longer than that can over-marinate the shrimp due to the acidity of lemon juice.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is always preferred for the brightest flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

Are these spicy?

Not as written, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for more heat.

Can I cook these on a stovetop grill pan?

Absolutely. A stovetop grill pan will give you the same sear marks and char as an outdoor grill.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, you can prep the marinade and shrimp ahead of time. Just marinate shortly before grilling and enjoy fresh.

Conclusion

Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers are proof that simple ingredients can yield gourmet-level results.
This dish is light, fresh, zesty, and loaded with the kind of flavor you want to eat again and again — all while fitting perfectly into a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle.

With minimal effort and maximum taste, it’s the perfect go-to for quick weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or healthy meal prep.
Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned low-carb pro, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.

So grab your shrimp, fire up that grill, and enjoy every delicious, protein-packed bite of Keto Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers.