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Growing up near the coast, my fondest memories involve the tantalizing aroma of seafood cooking on an open grill. The salty ocean breeze mingling with the scent of sizzling shrimp always felt like a warm embrace. This love for seafood has only deepened over time, inspiring me to explore the vibrant flavors of grilled wild-prawn skewers with chermoula.
Back in those days, the thrill of grilling shrimp skewers was a weekend ritual. We’d gather around the grill, eagerly anticipating the moment when these delicious morsels would be ready. The experience was not just about the taste, but also about the shared stories and laughter that filled the air. It was during these moments that I learned the art of preparing grilled wild-prawn skewers to perfection.
The secret to the most flavorful skewers lies in the chermoula sauce. A blend of spices with fresh herbs, it’s the perfect complement to the succulent shrimp. Each bite of these grilled wild-prawn skewers with chermoula is an explosion of flavor that transports me back to those unforgettable coastal gatherings.
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Grilled Wild-prawn Skewers With Chermoula
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Discover how to make Grilled Wild-prawn Skewers with Chermoula, a flavorful Moroccan marinade. Perfect your grilling skills with this easy, delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 20–25 large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoon (45 ml) Mazola® Corn Oil
- 1/2 tablespoon (8 ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) paprika
- 3 tablespoon (45 ml) Mazola® Corn Oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) parsley
- 2 tablespoon (30 ml) mint
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- To create the sauce, begin by gently warming the cayenne, paprika, cumin, and coriander in a skillet.
- Combine this mixture with garlic, cilantro, parsley, mint, salt, and lemon juice, then blend them in a food processor.
- Gradually incorporate the oil while processing until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Dry the shrimp using a paper towel and place them aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine corn oil, salt, pepper, cayenne, and paprika thoroughly.
- Gently coat the shrimp in this mixture.
- Carefully thread the shrimp onto 4-5 metal skewers, alternating their orientation.
- Position the skewers over the hotter part of the grill and grill the shrimp until they are slightly charred, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Turn the shrimp over and continue grilling the other side until they are also slightly charred and fully opaque, around another 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange the shrimp on a serving dish and present them with the chermoula sauce and lemon wedges for serving.
Notes
- Pat the prawns dry before oiling to ensure seasoning sticks wellnGently heat spices to release flavors before mixing into chermoulanGrill prawns on the hottest part for a quick, flavorful char
Mastering Grilled Wild-prawn Skewers With Chermoula
Fundamentals
The foundation of any great seafood dish begins with fresh ingredients. For these grilled wild-prawn skewers, start by ensuring your shrimp are large, peeled, and deveined. This preparation makes them perfect for absorbing the flavorful marinade and ensures even grilling.
Mazola® Corn Oil plays a crucial role in both the marinade and the chermoula sauce. Its light flavor and high smoke point make it ideal for grilling. The oil helps distribute the spices evenly, ensuring each prawn is packed with flavor.
Preparation/setup
Begin by preparing the chermoula sauce. Gently warm the cayenne, paprika, cumin, and coriander in a skillet to release their aromas. Combine this spice mix with garlic, fresh cilantro, parsley, mint, salt, and lemon juice in a food processor. As you blend, gradually add Mazola® Corn Oil to create a smooth, aromatic sauce.
Next, dry the shrimp with a paper towel before placing them in a mixing bowl. Combine Mazola® Corn Oil, salt, pepper, cayenne, and paprika, then coat the shrimp thoroughly. The marinade should evenly cover each shrimp, enhancing the grilling process.
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Shrimp
Technique
Thread the marinated shrimp onto metal skewers, alternating their orientation to allow even cooking. Place the skewers over the hottest part of the grill. This direct heat quickly sears the shrimp, locking in the flavors of the marinade.
Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a slight char that indicates caramelization, which adds a depth of flavor. The shrimp should turn opaque and firm to the touch, a sign that they are perfectly cooked.

Grilled Wild-prawn Skewers With Chermoula
Tips/tricks
To prevent the shrimp from sticking, ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before placing the skewers. This helps in achieving those beautiful grill marks without tearing the delicate shrimp flesh.
If you prefer a spicier kick, adjust the cayenne and paprika in both the marinade and sauce. This flexibility allows you to cater the dish to your preferred spice level, making it uniquely yours.
Perfecting Your Chermoula Flavor
Perfecting results
The key to a perfect chermoula lies in balancing the herbs and spices. Fresh cilantro and parsley provide a vibrant green color and fresh taste, while mint adds a refreshing note. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, making the sauce an excellent accompaniment to the smoky grilled shrimp.
As you adjust the flavors, taste the sauce frequently. This allows you to fine-tune the balance, ensuring that no single ingredient overpowers the others. The goal is a harmonious blend that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Troubleshooting/variations
If your sauce seems too thick, add a bit more lemon juice or Mazola® Corn Oil until the desired consistency is reached. For those who love extra heat, a pinch more cayenne can elevate the spice level.
Consider experimenting with additional herbs or spices to create your own signature chermoula. Whether adding a hint of basil or a touch of ginger, these variations can add a personal twist to the classic recipe.
Serving Your Grilled Creation
Serving/presentation
Once your grilled wild-prawn skewers with chermoula are ready, arrange them on a serving dish. Drizzle generously with the chermoula sauce, allowing it to cascade over the shrimp, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.
Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, providing a citrusy burst that complements the smoky, spicy shrimp. The vibrant colors of the dish make it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Grilled Wild-prawn Skewers With Chermoula
Pairings/storage
These skewers pair wonderfully with a crisp salad or grilled vegetables, creating a balanced meal. For storage, keep any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, ensuring the flavors remain fresh.
Reheat gently to preserve the texture, or enjoy them cold for a refreshing twist on a seafood salad. The versatility of these skewers makes them a delightful addition to any meal.
Conclusion
In crafting these grilled wild-prawn skewers with chermoula, you create a dish that celebrates both tradition and innovation. The combination of spices, fresh herbs, and succulent shrimp results in a meal that is as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
The utility of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The strengths of this dish are not only in its taste but also in its ability to bring people together over a shared love for seafood. Enjoy the journey of flavors and memories that each skewer brings to your table.
