When it comes to show-stopping summer meals, few dishes rival the elegance and flavor of shrimp and lobster skewers. This recipe brings together two seafood favorites—succulent shrimp and buttery lobster—in one easy, grill-ready dish that’s perfect for entertaining or elevating your weeknight dinner. These skewers are lightly marinated with herbs, lemon, and garlic, then grilled to perfection for a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and undeniably special.
Table of Contents
Why These Skewers Are Irresistible
Shrimp and lobster are both quick-cooking, high-protein ingredients that shine on the grill. Skewering them together ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld while staying juicy and tender. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll transform these premium proteins into a light, bright, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for summer dining.
Ingredients & Their Roles
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on optional) – Sweet and firm, shrimp cook quickly and add a delicious contrast to lobster.
- 2 lobster tails (about 5–6 oz each) – Buttery, rich, and indulgent, lobster adds luxury and texture to the skewers.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – Helps prevent sticking and distributes flavor in the marinade.
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon – Brightens and balances the richness of the seafood.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Adds a savory, aromatic base.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped – Offers herbaceous freshness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers – Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Lobster
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top of each lobster tail shell. Gently pull the meat out in one piece and chop it into large chunks (about the same size as the shrimp) for even cooking.
2. Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the Seafood
Place shrimp and lobster chunks in a bowl or resealable bag. Pour marinade over and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the grill.
4. Skewer and Grill
Thread shrimp and lobster pieces alternately onto skewers. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and lobster is firm and lightly charred.
5. Serve Immediately
Remove from grill and garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
These skewers are everything a seafood lover wants: fast, flavorful, and luxurious. The light marinade enhances without overpowering, and grilling adds a subtle char that complements the sweet, briny seafood. This recipe looks impressive but comes together in under 30 minutes—ideal for dinner parties, date nights, or summer cookouts.
Pro Tips for Perfect Skewers
- Use uniformly sized shrimp and lobster pieces so everything cooks evenly.
- Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Don’t overcook—shrimp and lobster only need a few minutes per side. Remove as soon as they’re opaque and firm.
- Brush skewers with extra marinade or garlic butter during grilling for even more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a citrus herb couscous, grilled vegetables, or a light arugula salad.
- Serve alongside a garlic aioli, melted herb butter, or a spicy mango salsa.
- Enjoy with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, dry rosé, or sparkling wine for a complete coastal dining experience.
Final Thoughts
These shrimp and lobster skewers bring restaurant-quality elegance to your backyard grill. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few minutes on the flame, you can create a flavorful, high-impact dish that celebrates the best of summer seafood.
Easy to prepare, stunning to serve, and unforgettable to eat—this grilled skewer recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Pin your favorites and revisit them anytime: Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration.
Shrimp and Lobster Skewers FAQ: Your Questions Answered
u003cstrongu003e1. Can I use frozen shrimp and lobster for skewers?u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003e
Yes. Just make sure to u003cstrongu003ethaw both completelyu003c/strongu003e before marinating or grilling. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or place in cold water for a quicker option. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before skewering.
u003cstrongu003e2. How long do shrimp and lobster take to grill?u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003e
Both shrimp and lobster cook quickly. Grill skewers for about u003cstrongu003e2–3 minutes per sideu003c/strongu003e, depending on thickness. Seafood is done when the shrimp turn u003cstrongu003eopaque and pinku003c/strongu003e, and the lobster becomes u003cstrongu003efirm and whiteu003c/strongu003e.
u003cstrongu003e3. Do I need to marinate the seafood?u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003e
Marinating is optional but u003cstrongu003ehighly recommendedu003c/strongu003e. A short marinade (15–20 minutes) adds flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of shrimp and lobster. Avoid acidic marinades for longer periods, as they can break down the seafood’s texture.
u003cstrongu003e4. How do I cut lobster tails for skewers?u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003e
Use u003cstrongu003ekitchen shearsu003c/strongu003e to cut down the center of the shell, then gently pull out the lobster meat. Cut the meat into u003cstrongu003ebite-sized chunksu003c/strongu003e similar in size to your shrimp for even cooking.
Shrimp and Lobster Skewers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Elevate your summer dining with these elegant shrimp and lobster skewers, marinated in herbs, lemon, and garlic before grilling to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on optional)
- 2 lobster tails (about 5–6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare the lobster by cutting through the top of each lobster tail shell and gently pulling the meat out to chop into large chunks.
- Make the marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the seafood for 15–20 minutes by placing shrimp and lobster in a bowl and pouring the marinade over them.
- Skewer the shrimp and lobster alternately and grill them for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and lobster is firm.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
Use uniformly sized pieces for even cooking and soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg