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Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe: Easy Garlic Butter Perfection

grilled shrimp skewers - featured image

Tender, juicy shrimp are marinated in a savory garlic butter sauce, then grilled to smoky perfection on skewers. This quick and easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or holiday appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp (16/20 count per pound), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 4 large cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Optional: In a bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons kosher salt in 2 cups cold water. Add shrimp and let soak for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
  3. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Add minced garlic and gently warm for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown). Stir in olive oil, lemon juice and zest, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside 2 tablespoons of marinade for basting.
  4. Toss dry shrimp in remaining garlic butter marinade in a large bowl. Cover and let sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grates.
  6. Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing through thick and thin ends. Leave space between each shrimp for even cooking.
  7. Place skewers on hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until shrimp start to turn opaque with grill marks. Flip skewers and brush with reserved garlic butter. Cook another 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and slightly firm.
  8. Transfer skewers to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and another squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not over-marinate shrimp; 10-15 minutes is ideal. Pat shrimp dry before marinating for best sear. If using wooden skewers, soak them to prevent burning. Make extra garlic butter for dipping. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter or all olive oil. Add veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to skewers for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled shrimp, shrimp skewers, garlic butter shrimp, summer grilling, easy seafood recipe, gluten-free, BBQ, quick dinner, party appetizer