If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances smoky, buttery, and garlicky flavors, then the Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This recipe features succulent shrimp marinated in zesty lemon and spices, grilled to juicy perfection, and then lavishly coated in a rich, homemade garlic butter sauce that’s nothing short of heavenly. Whether you’re serving dinner for friends or craving a quick weeknight meal, these skewers bring both impressive flavors and easy prep to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in layering flavors, from the smoky paprika to the fresh brightness of lemon and parsley. These essentials keep the dish vibrant, fresh, and absolutely irresistible.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and soak up all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps tenderize the shrimp while locking in moisture during grilling.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy zest that cuts through the richness of the butter.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the marinade with bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth and gorgeous color to the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice for balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a bit of extra heat, if you like it spicy.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Provides a burst of freshness and vibrant green color.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The base of the garlic butter sauce, rich and velvety.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Doubles down on garlic flavor in the sauce for that irresistible aroma.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the buttery sauce with a fresh citrus punch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds color and a hint of herbal brightness to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the sauce just right.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, optional red pepper flakes, and parsley in a bowl. This mixture is where the shrimp soak up incredible flavor before they hit the grill. After stirring, add the shrimp, toss gently to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This marinade tenderizes the shrimp and infuses them with a vibrant, zesty, and mildly smoky taste that makes each bite deliciously addictive.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the shrimp marinate, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Then stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper. Keeping this sauce warm ensures it stays luscious and ready to perfect your grilled shrimp with rich, garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to get those perfect char marks. Thread the marinated shrimp evenly onto skewers — this helps them cook quickly and makes turning a breeze. Grill each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly smoky. Be careful not to overcook since shrimp turn rubbery if left on too long. Trust the beautiful color change as your signal.
Step 4: Serve with Garlic Butter
Once grilled, remove the shrimp from the skewers and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with your warm garlic butter sauce and sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. The combination of juicy shrimp with the luxurious butter sauce makes every forkful melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side elevate the presentation and add freshness to each bite. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for guests who like a little extra heat with their grilled shrimp skewers.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic butter rice, or even grilled vegetables. The lightness of these sides balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce without overpowering the delicate shrimp flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these skewers atop a bed of couscous or quinoa tossed with fresh herbs and lemon zest. Another fun idea is to present them with a small bowl of extra garlic butter sauce for dipping—that interactive element always delights guests and adds an elevated touch to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover shrimp skewers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 2 days, making them a great option for a quick lunch or adding to salads.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp after cooking can affect texture, so it’s best to freeze the raw marinated shrimp on skewers if needed. Seal them tightly in freezer-safe bags and defrost in the fridge before grilling later.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a spoonful of garlic butter sauce to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before marinating to avoid excess water diluting the marinade and garlic butter sauce.
What type of skewers work best?
Both wooden and metal skewers work great for this recipe. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mildly spiced thanks to paprika and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Can I prepare this without a grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet on the stove works beautifully to get that smoky char while keeping the shrimp juicy and tender.
How long can the shrimp marinate?
Marinating the shrimp for at least 30 minutes is ideal, but you can marinate up to 2 hours. Avoid much longer marinating as the acid from lemon juice can begin to “cook” the shrimp and change the texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe that makes it a joy to cook and even greater to share. The combination of bright, smoky, and buttery flavors is irresistible and incredibly easy to bring together. I hope you give this recipe a try and watch it become a shining star on your table for any occasion, big or small!
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers served with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a summertime barbecue, these shrimp are marinated with lemon, garlic, and spices, then grilled to juicy perfection and topped with a buttery, garlicky drizzle.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and fresh parsley if using. Stir well to create the marinade.
- Coat the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter carefully.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm while grilling the shrimp.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, making sure it’s properly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Thread Shrimp on Skewers: Thread the marinated shrimp evenly onto skewers, leaving space between each shrimp for even cooking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- Remove Shrimp: Take the shrimp off the skewers and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the grilled shrimp and garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- To make this recipe gluten free, verify that all ingredients, especially seasonings, are certified gluten free.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the shrimp under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp as they become rubbery quickly.
- Leftover shrimp skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
