Fresh Ideas for Shrimp Skewers

Updated May 12, 2008
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Tour the globe with grilled shrimp recipes inspired by the flavors of Mexico, Spain, India, China, and the Caribbean.

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Vietnam: Vietnamese-style Prawns and Hearts of Palm with Green Tea-Noodle Salad

Credit: Jean Allsopp

Marinated in a lively mixture of lemon juice, sriracha hot chilies, and savory fish sauce, these Vietnamese-style shrimp are served on a bed of soft green tea soba noodles and cooling, crunchy vegetables. You'll love the contrast in textures.

Recipe: Vietnamese-style Prawns and Hearts of Palm with Green Tea-Noodle Salad

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China: Grilled Shrimp-and-Plum Skewers with Sweet Hoisin Sauce

Credit: Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke

A spoonful of five-spice powder–a Chinese blend of ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and peppercorns–gives hoisin sauce a whole new dimension. Brush the spicy-sweet mixture on shrimp for a meal inspired by the Far East.

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp-and-Plum Skewers with Sweet Hoisin Sauce

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Mexico: Mexican-Grilled Shrimp with Smoky Sweet Sauce

No one will want to put down these shrimp skewers glazed with chipotle peppers, brown sugar, garlic, and a shot of rum. The secret ingredient is a spoonful of tangy tamarind paste–it wakes up all the other flavors, making your tastebuds shout, "Olé!"

Recipe: Mexican-Grilled Shrimp with Smoky Sweet Sauce

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Indonesia: Javanese Sambal with Grilled Shrimp

Credit: James Carrier

An unsung Asian cuisine, Indonesian food appeals to fans of big, bold flavors. Just use a food processor to create a five-ingredient sauce laden with coconut, chilies, and garlic for a pungent and spicy accompaniment to shrimp.

Recipe: Javanese Sambal with Grilled Shrimp

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Caribbean: Shrimp on Sugarcane with Rum Glaze

Credit: Photography: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Using sweet, juicy sugarcane sticks as skewers flavors and moistens the shrimp from the inside out. Brush the shrimp thickly with the sugary rum glaze. It caramelizes over high heat, resulting in a deeply flavorful, smoky dish that will immediately transport you to the tropics.

Recipe: Shrimp on Sugarcane with Rum Glaze

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Spain: Grilled Shrimp Gazpacho

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

This quintessential summer soup is one of Spain's most successful culinary exports. Topped with shrimp, it becomes hearty enough for an entrée, and best of all, it takes only minutes to prepare in a food processor.

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Gazpacho

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Greece: Grilled-Shrimp Gyros with Herbed Yogurt Spread

The flavors of a traditional lamb or chicken gyro–herbs, garlic, and yogurt–also partner well with shrimp. Serve these when you want to upgrade your typical sandwich selection.

Recipe: Grilled-Shrimp Gyros with Herbed Yogurt Spread

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India: Tandoori Shrimp in Green Marinade

Credit: James Carrier

The traditional tandoori oven, a tall clay cylinder, get so hot that meats cook in a matter of minutes. You can mimic this effect at home by grilling these fresh, spicy shrimp over direct heat.

Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp in Green Marinade

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Grilled Blackened Shrimp Skewers

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Grilled Blackened Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Brighten shrimp skewers with a surprise ingredient: fresh blueberries. A bright Mint-Lime Drizzle adds delicious, tangy flavor.

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Shrimp, Squash, and Bacon Salad

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Shrimp, Squash, and Bacon Salad Recipe

Grill and thread shrimp and serve these skewers atop a hearty egg, bacon, corn, and squash salad.

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