Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce

Who doesn’t love shrimp? Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive weekend barbecue, Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are always a crowd-pleaser. These shrimp are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, thanks to that decadent garlic butter sauce. And let’s be honest—anything with garlic butter is bound to be delicious, right? These skewers are so simple to make yet totally impressive, perfect for grilling season or any time you’re craving a bit of coastal indulgence.

Once you take that first bite of perfectly charred shrimp dripping in garlic butter, you’ll see why these are a total game-changer. Trust me—this recipe is one you’re going to want to make again and again. It’s the perfect balance of savory, buttery, and just the right amount of zest from the lemon. Your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce

There are so many reasons to love these shrimp skewers. Here’s why they’re sure to be a new favorite:

Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce takes these shrimp to the next level. The rich, buttery flavor paired with garlic, lemon, and herbs is seriously irresistible.

Quick and Easy: These shrimp come together quickly, and you don’t need much prep time. It’s perfect for when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Light and Refreshing: Grilled shrimp are light but packed with flavor, making them a perfect dish for any occasion. You’ll feel good about eating them, but they still deliver on taste.

Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re grilling for a party, a BBQ, or just a cozy night with loved ones, these shrimp skewers are perfect for sharing. They’re fun to eat and easy to serve up to a group.

Customizable: You can tweak the flavors to your liking—add more heat with some red pepper flakes, or mix up the herbs with parsley, cilantro, or even basil. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your preferences.

Ingredients

Shrimp: The star of the dish! Fresh, jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe, as they cook quickly and absorb the garlic butter flavor beautifully.

Olive Oil: Helps to coat the shrimp and keeps them from sticking to the grill. Plus, it adds a lovely richness to the dish.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is the key to that flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s what gives the shrimp that mouthwatering aroma and taste.

Butter: Unsalted butter is essential for making the garlic butter sauce rich and indulgent without being overly salty.

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add a burst of citrus to balance out the richness of the butter.

Parsley: Chopped parsley is used to garnish the shrimp, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, to bring out the flavors of the shrimp and garlic butter sauce.

Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition if you like a little spice.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how you can make these Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them completely. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on (this makes them easy to handle and gives them that extra visual appeal). Thread them onto wooden or metal skewers, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Once the garlic is fragrant, stir in the lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp
Brush the shrimp with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This helps the shrimp cook evenly on the grill.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat as well.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re pink, opaque, and slightly charred. The shrimp should cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!

Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
Once the shrimp are cooked, brush them generously with the garlic butter sauce. Be sure to coat them well, so they’re full of that rich, savory flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with extra garlic butter on the side for dipping, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 220
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 2g
Protein: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce

These shrimp skewers are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:

With Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice, whether it’s a simple white rice, wild rice, or a flavorful pilaf.

On a Salad: For a lighter, refreshing option, serve the shrimp on top of a crisp salad with your favorite dressing.

With Grilled Veggies: Pair them with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a complete, balanced meal.

As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp skewers as an appetizer at your next gathering or BBQ. They’re great for nibbling and easy to share with guests.

With Crusty Bread: The garlic butter sauce is too good to waste, so serve the shrimp with some warm, crusty bread to sop up any extra butter.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always give you the best flavor. If you can, buy them from a local seafood market to get the freshest catch.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly! Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking can result in rubbery shrimp, so make sure to pull them off the grill as soon as they’re cooked through.

Try Different Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite spices to the garlic butter sauce! A touch of smoked paprika or cumin can add an extra layer of flavor.

Grill Indoors: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can make these shrimp on a grill pan or even under the broiler. Just make sure the heat is high to get that nice char.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before grilling. You can thaw them by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for a quicker thaw.

Q2: Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before brushing onto the shrimp.

Q3: How do I know when the shrimp are done?
A3: Shrimp cook quickly. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. If they’re curling tightly into a “C” shape, they’ve been on the grill too long, so keep an eye on them!

Q4: Can I use shrimp without tails on them?
A4: Yes, you can remove the tails if you prefer. However, leaving the tails on adds extra flavor and makes the shrimp easier to handle while eating.

Q5: Can I use a different protein?
A5: Yes! You can substitute chicken, fish, or even scallops. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

Q6: Can I make these shrimp skewers in the oven?
A6: Yes, you can bake the shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. Be sure to broil them for the last 1-2 minutes to get a nice char.

Q7: Can I use a different oil for grilling?
A7: Yes, you can use other oils like avocado oil or canola oil. Just make sure the oil you choose has a high smoke point for grilling.

Q8: How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
A8: Brush both the shrimp and the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. You can also use a grilling basket if you have one!

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
A9: Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms work beautifully on skewers alongside the shrimp.

Q10: How can I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

These Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or treating yourself to a delicious seafood meal, these shrimp will impress every time. They’re full of flavor, easy to make, and just downright delicious. So fire up the grill, grab your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in this irresistible dish! Happy grilling!

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