Grilled Shrimp and Scallops Skewers (Uncle Mike's Spice Mix)

By
Doug DuCap
Doug DuCap
Cookbook author and freelance food writer with award-winning recipes. He has an expertise in fish and seafood.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 08/26/19
Shrimp skewers on rice
Jupiterimages / Stockbyte / Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
232 Calories
7g Fat
7g Carbs
36g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 232
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 6%
Cholesterol 245mg 82%
Sodium 3225mg 140%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Protein 36g
Calcium 138mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

These shrimp and scallop skewers are very simple to make and so delicious. They take no time at all to prepare, so they're great for a weekday meal yet they're fancy enough for parties, special occasions, and holidays.

The spice mixture comes from my late father-in-law, Mike Matticola—"Uncle Mike" to the many people who knew and loved him. It's simple, yet perfectly balanced, and makes a great dry rub for meats, too. (By the way, the original recipe calls for a whole tablespoon of cayenne, which makes it quite fiery, so start with a teaspoon instead. It's easy to add more heat, but it's hard to subtract it!)

The spice mix makes a generous amount; store it in an airtight jar and you'll have plenty on hand for next time.

Ingredients

  • For the Shrimp:
  • 1 1/2 lb. large or extra large shrimp (uncooked, peeled and deveined)
  • 1 lb. bay scallops
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • For Uncle Mike's Spice Mix: ​
  • 2 1/2 tbsps. paprika
  • 2 tbsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. onion powder
  • 1 tbsp. oregano (dried, crushed)
  • 1 tbsp. thyme (dried, crushed)
  • 1 tbsp. cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

Steps to Make It

  1. Place the shrimp and scallops in a bowl and stir in the olive oil until well coated.

  2. In a separate bowl, combine the spice ingredients thoroughly.

  3. Thread alternating shrimp and scallops on skewers. Liberally sprinkle both sides with spice mixture. (There will be extra spice mix; store it in an airtight jar for next time)

  4. Grill over high heat until shrimp and scallops are just opaque and spices are lightly colored (about 1 minute per side.)

Recipe Tags: