If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful meal that screams summer, these Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Skewers are the perfect solution. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a sticky-sweet homemade teriyaki glaze, then grilled to perfection and served hot off the skewer with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions. It’s a delicious fusion of sweet, savory, and umami that’s ideal for warm-weather cookouts, backyard barbecues, or even easy weeknight dinners.
Best of all? This recipe is simple, fast (ready in under 30 minutes), and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Who This Recipe Is For
This grilled shrimp recipe is for:
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Seafood lovers who crave bold, Asian-inspired flavors
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Busy home cooks who want something quick yet satisfying
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Grillers and outdoor cooking fans looking for something lighter than burgers
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Meal preppers who want a protein that stores well and pairs with anything
Whether you’re firing up the BBQ for a summer party or just whipping up a fast dinner, these teriyaki shrimp skewers are a winning choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious skewers:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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½ cup teriyaki sauce
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
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2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
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Chopped green onion, for garnish
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Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Soaking the skewers prevents them from burning on the grill — don’t skip this step!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Medium mixing bowl
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Whisk or fork (for mixing the marinade)
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Resealable plastic bag or bowl for marinating
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Grill or grill pan
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Tongs
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Basting brush (optional but helpful)
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Cutting board and knife
How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Divide the marinade in half—use one portion for marinating the shrimp and reserve the other for basting during grilling.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place shrimp in a bowl or large resealable bag. Add half of the marinade, toss to coat, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This gives the shrimp just enough time to soak in the rich teriyaki flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or grill surface to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, discarding the used marinade. Keep the reserved marinade nearby for basting.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade as they grill. The shrimp should turn pink and get lightly charred at the edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the skewers to a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes!
Serving Suggestions
These shrimp skewers are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas to make your meal shine:
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Over steamed jasmine or coconut rice
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With soba or rice noodles and a drizzle of sesame oil
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As part of a surf-and-turf BBQ platter
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On a fresh Asian-style salad with cabbage and carrots
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In a rice bowl with avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo
Want to go low-carb? Serve them over cauliflower rice or alongside grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or bok choy.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
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Don’t over-marinate shrimp — 30 minutes is perfect. Longer can result in a rubbery texture due to the acidic ingredients.
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Use jumbo shrimp if you’re grilling over open flame for better control and less chance of overcooking.
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Double the marinade if you want extra to drizzle on rice or use for dipping.
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Try metal skewers if you’re grilling often—they’re reusable and don’t require soaking.
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Add veggies to the skewers like pineapple, bell peppers, or red onion for color and sweetness.
Variations
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Spicy Teriyaki Shrimp: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
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Citrus Twist: Add orange or pineapple juice to the marinade for a tropical vibe.
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your teriyaki sauce is certified gluten-free.
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Pescatarian Meal Prep: Cook a double batch and refrigerate to use in rice bowls, wraps, or salads throughout the week.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Place shrimp in a skillet with a splash of water or reserved marinade and heat on medium-low just until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Pro tip: Leftover shrimp are fantastic cold in a salad or wrap!
Pairing Ideas
To complete the meal, pair your teriyaki shrimp skewers with:
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Chilled white wine – Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio
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Iced green tea or a citrusy mocktail
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Cucumber salad, edamame, or seaweed salad as refreshing sides
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Sticky rice or garlic noodles for a hearty plate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely, pat dry, and proceed with the recipe. Avoid cooking them straight from frozen.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely. Choose one with minimal added sugars or artificial ingredients for the best flavor.
What if I don’t have a grill?
A grill pan, broiler, or even a stovetop skillet works great. You won’t get the same char, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I bake the shrimp instead?
Yes! Bake skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 6–8 minutes, flipping once and basting with marinade.
A Crowd-Pleasing Skewer You’ll Make Again and Again
Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ, meal prepping for the week, or just want a satisfying seafood dinner that’s not a hassle to make, these Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Skewers are your answer. They’re quick, flavorful, and totally versatile—and they pair beautifully with just about everything.
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Happy grilling! 🍤🔥