Houston Shrimp Kabobs

Prep: 720 min Cuisine: American

Juicy shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, paprika, lemon, ketchup, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. This vibrant dish offers a smoky, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness, perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners that impress seafood lovers and grill enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 c. olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and cut in three
  • 1/4 c. ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp. paprika
  • juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Marinate for 12 hours in refrigerator.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for a more vibrant flavor. If you're short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but the longer the better. You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus note. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or substituting paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Houston Shrimp Kabobs are perfect for summer grilling and pair beautifully with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables. You can also serve them with a zesty dipping sauce or alongside a refreshing salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with rice or a quinoa salad. Browse more seafood recipes for additional delicious ideas.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, it's best to do so gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. You can also enjoy them cold as a quick snack or salad topping.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Houston Shrimp Kabobs contains roughly 458 calories, with 23g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (169% of the Daily Value), iron (151% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

458 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.1g 46% DV
Total Fat 13.1g 17% DV
Carbs 83.4g 30% DV
Fiber 21.3g 76% DV
Sugar 7.6g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 591.1mg 26% DV
Potassium 2708.6mg 58% DV
Cholesterol 94.5mg 32% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1521.2mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 5.2mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 293.1mg 23% DV
Iron 27.2mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of seafood for these kabobs?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute shrimp with scallops, fish chunks, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the marinating time based on the seafood you choose; for example, fish will require less time than shrimp.

What can I do if I don't have skewers?

If you don't have skewers, you can grill the shrimp in a grill basket or on a sheet of aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can cook them in a skillet or on a grill pan, ensuring even cooking without the need for skewering.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the marinade. You can also serve the kabobs with a spicy dipping sauce, such as sriracha or a spicy aioli, to elevate the flavor profile.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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