There is nothing quite like the magic of summer grilling, and these Honey Grilled Shrimp Skewers hit every single mark. They are sweet, smoky, slightly charred, and incredibly juicy. If you are looking for a foolproof, restaurant-quality seafood dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, this is your new go-to.
The secret is all in the glaze—thick, glossy honey caramelizes beautifully over the open flame, locking in all that moisture so your shrimp never dry out.
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 6 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Shrimp
1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on or off)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand)
For the Sticky Honey Glaze:
1/3 cup quality honey (raw or clover works great)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Garnish:
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Shrimp & Skewers
If you are using wooden skewers, make sure they are soaking in water so they don't catch fire on the grill. Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Toss them in a large bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and plenty of cracked black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Thread the Skewers
Carefully thread the seasoned shrimp onto your skewers. I like to pierce them through both the tail and the head end so they stay secure when it's time to flip them.
3. Whisk the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, soy sauce, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside half of the glaze in a separate small dish for brushing onto the finished shrimp later (this avoids cross-contamination with the raw seafood brush).
4. Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
5. Grill and Glaze
Place the shrimp skewers directly onto the hot grates. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. Flip them over, and immediately brush them generously with the first batch of your honey glaze. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and display those gorgeous, dark char marks.
Pro-Tip: Keep a close eye on them! Honey has a high sugar content and can burn quickly if left unattended.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Brush them one last time with the clean, reserved honey glaze for that ultra-shiny, sticky finish. Shower the top with a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley and an extra pinch of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot!
Chef's Tips for Success
Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook incredibly fast. It only takes about 5 to 6 minutes total. If they curl up into tight "C" shapes, they are starting to get overdone. You want them just opaque and tender.
Get the Char: Make sure your grill is properly preheated before the skewers touch the grates. That high initial heat is what gives you those beautiful, caramelized crispy edges without overcooking the inside.
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