Easy Oven-Baked Shrimp Skewers – Perfect Family Dinner
Picture these oven-baked shrimp skewers: tender shrimp, marinated in a bright, citrusy orange juice marinade, baked to perfection, and served with fresh avocado and mango salsa. It’s the kind of meal that makes you wonder why you ever considered takeout. I threw in some coconut rice too—because, let’s be honest, it’s the perfect fit. I made this for dinner the other night, and we couldn’t get enough. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests (if you’re into that). Plus, the whole family loved it—and that’s saying something!
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I adapted this recipe from my oven-baked marinated chicken skewers, and I promise, it’s just as easy and full of flavor! If you’ve made the chicken version, you know how simple and delicious it can be. So, if you’re looking for a seafood twist, these shrimp skewers are your new go-to. Plus, they’re the perfect solution when you want a tasty meal without the hassle of a grill.
Easy Oven-Baked Shrimp Skewers – Perfect Family Dinner
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Equipment
- 8-10 metal kebab skewers
Ingredients
- 600 grams shrimp (prawns) (1.3 lbs) about 1-inch big, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves (coriander) finely chopped
- ¼ cup orange juice freshly juiced if possible
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or use white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar I use raw organic sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and olive oil. Stir in the chopped cilantro and minced garlic.¼ cup cilantro leaves (coriander), ¼ cup orange juice, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours (but no longer, to avoid mushy shrimp).600 grams shrimp (prawns)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a baking rack on top.
- Thread the shrimp onto metal skewers (or pre-soaked wooden skewers)
- Arrange the skewers on the baking rack and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite sides, like coconut rice or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use similar-sized shrimp: This ensures they cook evenly.
- Preheat the oven properly: A fully preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) ensures even cooking and prevents rubbery shrimp.
- Watch the cooking time: Shrimp cook quickly—once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done! Overcooking can make them tough.
- Storage & reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or sauté briefly in a pan.
📝 Recipe Ingredients
- Shrimp (Prawns): Fresh or frozen shrimp prawns work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Adds a bright, herby flavor that really brings the marinade to life. Cilantro is called coriander in Australia.
- Fresh orange juice: Preferably fresh, but store-bought will do the job too.
- Garlic clove (fresh): Fresh garlic please—garlic powder just won’t do the same job!
- Apple cider vinegar: To balance the sweetness of the orange juice.
- Raw organic sugar: I love using raw sugar but any sugar will work.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Guide to Juicy, Marinated Skewers
Step 1: In a bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, garlic, apple cider vinegar, raw organic sugar, fresh cilantro leaves, and olive oil. Mix until the sugar has dissolved and everything is well combined. Add shrimp, mix and ensure they’re evenly coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes
Step 2: Thread the marinated prawns onto the skewers, about 4-5 prawns per skewer.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Prepare the baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a baking rack on top.
Step 4: Arrange the skewers on the rack, making sure they’re not touching. Brush them lightly with olive oil, then bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked through and slightly golden on the edges. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
Once the prawns are done, remove them from the oven and carefully slide them off the skewers. Serve them hot with your favorite sides—like coconut rice or a zesty avocado-mango salsa for a burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Prawns cook very quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them while baking. Bake them for just 8-10 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they will become rubbery.
Lightly brush the rack with olive oil before placing the shrimp on it. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. You can thaw them by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for 15-20 minutes.
If you don’t have a rack, you can bake the prawns directly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Just make sure to flip the skewers halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours. Anything longer than 2 hours might cause the shrimp to become too soft or mushy due to the acidity in the marinade.
If you tried this Easy Oven-Baked Shrimp Skewers Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Thank you! Elena
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