Follow these simple steps to create mouthwatering Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers that are bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. Whether you choose to grill them for that smoky char or bake them for a convenient indoor option, the result will be equally delicious.

1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and emulsified into a smooth marinade. The honey should be fully incorporated, and the garlic should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Take a moment to smell the marinade – the aroma of honey and garlic should already be enticing! Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add a touch more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or lemon juice for acidity based on your preference.
2. Marinate the Shrimp: Gently add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl containing the honey garlic marinade. Toss the shrimp to ensure they are evenly coated in the marinade. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix and distribute the marinade, making sure every shrimp is generously covered. For optimal flavor infusion, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the shrimp and marinade to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Marinating for longer than 2 hours is not recommended as the lemon juice can start to break down the shrimp, potentially affecting its texture. If you are short on time, even a 15-minute marinade will impart significant flavor. While the shrimp marinates, this is a good time to soak your wooden skewers in water if you are using them.
3. Prepare the Skewers: Once the shrimp has marinated, it’s time to thread them onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip back into the bowl (you can reserve a bit of the marinade to brush on the skewers during grilling or baking for extra flavor, but be sure to boil it first to ensure food safety if it has come into contact with raw shrimp). Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp for even cooking. Aim to place about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, depending on the size of your shrimp and skewers. Avoid overcrowding the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
4. Grill the Skewers (Outdoor Grill): Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook quickly. Brush the skewers with the reserved boiled marinade during the last minute of grilling for an extra layer of flavor and glaze (optional). The shrimp are cooked when they turn from translucent to opaque pink and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked for too long.
5. Bake the Skewers (Oven Option): If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet (optional, but it helps with air circulation and prevents the shrimp from steaming). Arrange the shrimp skewers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Similar to grilling, brush the skewers with the reserved boiled marinade during the last few minutes of baking for added flavor and glaze (optional). Check for doneness around 8 minutes, as baking times can vary depending on oven and shrimp size.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers are cooked, carefully remove them from the grill or oven. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful shrimp. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions (optional) for a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately while they are hot and juicy. These skewers are delicious on their own as an appetizer or as a main course alongside your favorite sides. See the “How to Serve” section below for fantastic serving suggestions!