Grilled Shrimp and Sausage Skewers combine the smoky flavor of grilled sausage with the tenderness of juicy shrimp, creating an unbeatable surf-and-turf combo. Perfect for grilling season, these skewers are not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or casual gatherings. Packed with flavor and protein, these kabobs are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of smoky sausage and succulent shrimp
- Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy evenings
- High in protein and low in carbs
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and marinades
- Ideal for grilling and minimal kitchen cleanup
- Great for BBQs, tailgates, or meal prep
- Works with any sausage or shrimp variety
- Versatile and easy to adjust for different tastes and preferences
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Smoked sausage (like andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo), sliced into rounds
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Paprika
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional: bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini chunks for added flavor and color
Directions
- Prepare the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. If using metal skewers, no soaking is needed.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. The combination of paprika and garlic will give the shrimp and sausage a delightful smoky and savory base.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss them to coat evenly. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for 15–30 minutes to absorb the flavors. If you have time, marinate the shrimp for longer, as this will help intensify the flavors.
- Prep the Sausage and Veggies: Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds. If using vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions, cut them into chunks that will fit easily on the skewers.
- Assemble the Skewers: Begin threading the shrimp, sausage slices, and vegetables (if using) onto the skewers. Alternate the ingredients so that each skewer has a mix of shrimp and sausage, with vegetables in between for added color and flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high, about 375–400°F (190–200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel soaked in oil or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally. The shrimp should become opaque and slightly pink, while the sausage will be browned and sizzling. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it cooks quickly.
- Serve: Once the kabobs are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and serve them hot. You can garnish them with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for extra zest.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Tropical Sweetness: For a sweet and savory twist, add pineapple chunks to the skewers. The caramelization from the grill will create a wonderful contrast with the savory sausage and shrimp.
- Change Up the Sausage: Try using a spicier sausage like spicy Cajun sausage or mild Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Marinate the Sausage: If you prefer a more cohesive flavor, marinate the sausage along with the shrimp for a unified taste throughout the kabobs.
- Boost with Garlic Butter: Before serving, drizzle the kabobs with melted garlic butter or chimichurri sauce for a rich, flavorful finish.
- Healthier Option: Use chicken sausage instead of traditional smoked sausage for a lighter alternative.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To ensure freshness, remove the shrimp and sausage from the skewers before storing.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. When reheating, avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain its tender texture.
Grilled Shrimp and Sausage Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 lb pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz ounces smoked sausage (like andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo), sliced
- 2 tbsp tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp teaspoon paprika
- 1 tbsp tablespoon lemon juice
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 optional bell peppers (cut into chunks)
- 1 optional red onions (cut into chunks)
Instructions
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for 15–30 minutes.
- Slice the sausage into bite-sized rounds. Optionally, prepare the vegetables by cutting them into chunks.
- Thread the shrimp, sausage, and vegetables (if using) onto the skewers, alternating each ingredient for even cooking.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp is opaque and the sausage is browned and heated through.
- Serve the skewers hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges or parsley, if desired.
Nutrition
FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use? For best results, use large or jumbo shrimp. These shrimp will cook evenly and retain their juicy, tender texture on the grill.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage? Yes, pre-cooked sausage works great! Just heat it on the grill to get that nice char and warmth, but be sure to avoid overcooking.
Do I need to marinate the shrimp? While marinating is optional, it is highly recommended as it enhances the flavor and helps keep the shrimp tender. If you’re short on time, you can skip marinating, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
Can I cook these kabobs in the oven or air fryer? Absolutely! If you’re not using a grill, you can broil the kabobs in the oven for 5–7 minutes or air fry them at 375°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What vegetables pair well with shrimp and sausage? Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini are all great options to pair with these kabobs. These vegetables grill beautifully and complement the flavors of the shrimp and sausage perfectly.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the skewers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours before grilling. Just be sure to keep them covered to maintain freshness.
Are these kabobs spicy? The kabobs themselves are not inherently spicy, but you can adjust the heat level based on the type of sausage you use. For a spicier kick, opt for a hot sausage or add chili flakes to the marinade.
Can I freeze sausage and shrimp kabobs? You can freeze the kabobs before grilling. Simply prepare them as directed and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a storage bag. When ready to cook, grill from frozen for the best texture.
Do I need to peel the shrimp? Yes, it’s recommended to peel and devein the shrimp before grilling. This makes them easier to eat and ensures they soak up the marinade better.
What’s a good dipping sauce for these kabobs? These kabobs are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, ranch dressing, or a lemon butter sauce for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Grilled Shrimp and Sausage Skewers are a perfect combination of smoky, savory sausage and succulent shrimp, all grilled to perfection. This recipe is not only fast and simple to prepare but also incredibly flavorful, making it a fantastic choice for summer cookouts, BBQs, or even weeknight dinners. The ability to customize the ingredients with your favorite vegetables or marinades makes these skewers versatile for any occasion. Fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and get ready to enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love.