Grilled Za’atar Shrimp

By James Kimble June 16, 2025 3 mins read 4 Views

This Grilled Za’atar Shrimp is a delectable, must-try Middle Eastern dish that is straightforward and only takes just over 30 minutes from start to finish.

Grilled Za’atar Shrimp and is ideal for those on the go! Use your grill, outdoor griddle, or air fryer to make this recipe.

What is za’atar?

Za’atar is a flavorful spice mixture that typically includes dried hyssop (za’atar), toasted sesame seeds, dried oregano, thyme, marjoram, sumac, salt, and citrus zest. The recipe for za’atar varies by region and can be used in many ways. Sprinkle this spice blend on baked or grilled foods or serve as a topping for vegetables and cheese. Za’atar is similar to Dukkah; the latter contains more nuts and seeds.

Za’atar Shrimp Ingredients

Extra-large shrimp: 2 pounds of 26/30
Metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers for in water for 20-30 minutes before using)
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemon zest: Remember to zest the lemons before squeezing the juice!
Lemons
Garlic
Za’atar seasoning
Salt
Paprika (optional)

Grilled Za'atar Shrimp — derrickriches.com

Making Za’atar Shrimp

Prep shrimp: Peel and devein shrimp. Blot dry with paper towels and place shrimp into a resealable plastic bag.
Make the marinade: Combine marinade ingredients and pour over shrimp. Toss to coat, seal the zip-top bag.
Marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Prep grill: Preheat your grill or Blackstone griddle for 375 degrees F, or medium-high heat.
For griddle: heat 1 tablespoon of oil on the griddle surface.
Prep the skewers: Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Brush with the remaining marinade.
Cook the skewers: Place za’atar shrimp on grill or griddle and cook for 3 minutes per side or until the shrimp are firm and pink in color.
Serve them: Remove coked shrimp grill (or griddle), assemble them onto a platter, and drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Serve and enjoy!
Leftovers: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days.

Rewarming Leftover Shrimp

If you’re reheating grilled za’atar shrimp, be careful not to overcook them.
To reheat, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil or butter in a pan, and warm the shrimp for 30 seconds per side or until they are hot. Then, plate and serve promptly.

Recipe Tips

Use fresh shrimp, not frozen shrimp whenever possible.
Za’atar seasoning is available in most grocery stores, specialty stores, and online.
Do not over marinate the shrimp. Keep marinating times between 15-20 minutes to avoid mushiness or acid “cooked shrimp.
For air fryer: Cook skewers for 6-8 minutes, at 400 degrees F. Turn skewers over halfway through cooking.
Use a grill basket instead of skewers to make cooking easier!

More Shrimp Recipes

Grilled Za’atar Shrimp

This delectable Middle-Eastern-inspired shrimp dish is simple, and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish!

Course Appetizer, Main Dish

Cuisine Fusion, Middle Eastern

Keyword shrimp skewers

Prep Time 24

Cook Time 6

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 364kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds shrimp extra large, peeled, deveined, and tails left on
4-6 skewers (metal recommended)
for marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil
zest of 1 lemon
1 large lemon juiced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoons Za’atar seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Peel and devein shrimp. Blot dry with paper towels. Place shrimp in a resealable plastic bag.
Combine marinade ingredients and pour over shrimp. Move around to distribute evenly. Seal bag and place into the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Preheat grill to 375 degrees F. Oil the grill grates before cooking.
Thread four marinated shrimp onto each skewer.
Place shrimp skewers on the grill grates and cook for 3 minutes per side or until the shrimp are firm and pink in color.
Remove from grill, assemble onto platter and spritz with fresh lemon juice before serving.