If you’re dreaming of summer grilling and crave something that’s irresistibly juicy, buttery, and bursting with flavor, Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are about to become your new obsession. Plump shrimp get kissed by smoky grill marks, then drenched in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce that’s bright with lemon and flecked with fresh parsley. This dish is quick to pull together, yet feels like a total treat whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you taste these skewers, you’ll want to add them to every backyard cookout and casual get-together.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce lies in a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Each one plays a special role, layering on flavor, color, and texture for the perfect bite. Here’s everything you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!

Shrimp (1 1/2 pounds, large, peeled and deveined, tails on): Big shrimp grill beautifully and stay juicy, plus leaving the tails on makes for easy eating and an attractive finish.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps the seasonings cling to the shrimp and adds a subtle richness that keeps them from sticking on the grill.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick and balances the richness of the sauce.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a whisper of smokiness and a lovely warm color.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a touch of heat!
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The star of the sauce—rich, creamy, and perfect for soaking into every nook and cranny.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Brings bold, savory depth to the butter sauce.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens and balances the richness, adding a fresh zing.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Finishes the sauce with a pop of color and fresh, herby flavor.
Lemon wedges (for serving): A final squeeze wakes up all the flavors right at the table.
Metal or soaked wooden skewers: Essential for grilling—soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Skewers

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure you’ve soaked them in water for at least 30 minutes—this little step saves your skewers from burning and your shrimp from falling apart. A well-heated grill ensures those gorgeous char marks and keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Toss the shrimp in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and, if you like a little spice, the crushed red pepper flakes. Use your hands to gently mix everything, making sure every shrimp is evenly coated. This simple marinade infuses the shrimp with flavor and gives them that irresistible golden hue.

Step 3: Thread the Skewers

Thread about 5–6 shrimp onto each skewer, nestling them closely but not too tightly. This helps them cook evenly and makes flipping a breeze. Plus, it’s just so satisfying to see those neat little rows lined up and ready for the grill!

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the grill heats, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let it brown. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, then take it off the heat. This garlic butter sauce will be your game-changer for Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce, infusing every bite with rich, savory goodness.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp

Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re looking for shrimp that are pink, opaque, and have those beautiful, slightly charred edges. Don’t overcook them—shrimp go from perfect to rubbery in seconds!

Step 6: Brush and Serve

As soon as the shrimp come off the grill, brush them generously with the garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately, with extra sauce and lemon wedges on the side. The aroma of the melted butter and garlic swirling with that smoky grilled shrimp is pure magic.

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges are all you need to make these skewers pop. The parsley adds a fresh, grassy note while the lemon brings brightness—don’t be shy with that final squeeze!

Side Dishes

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce pair beautifully with fluffy rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The shrimp’s richness is balanced perfectly by lighter, fresher sides, but you could also serve them with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that dreamy butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading the shrimp with colorful veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, or serve the skewers on a big platter over a bed of arugula. For a party, offer the skewers as an appetizer with little bowls of extra garlic butter sauce for dipping—watch them disappear in minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tempting!

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked shrimp skewers if needed. Remove the shrimp from the skewers and place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of garlic butter sauce or a little water. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Just a couple of minutes is all it takes to bring them back to life.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This ensures the seasonings stick and you get that perfect char on the grill.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can cook these Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce under a broiler or in a grill pan on your stovetop. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and a lovely sear.

How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Brush the grill grates with a little oil before placing the skewers down, and make sure the grill is preheated. The olive oil in the marinade also helps keep things moving smoothly.

Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Gently reheat before brushing over the grilled shrimp and serving on the side.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is! Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check any store-bought seasonings for hidden gluten, just in case.

Final Thoughts

Give these Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce a try and watch them become a fast favorite at your table. Whether you’re grilling for a special occasion or just want a quick, flavorful meal, this recipe delivers every time. Fire up the grill and get ready for some rave reviews!

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious grilled shrimp skewers marinated with olive oil, smoked paprika, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, then brushed with a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfect for summer grilling, this quick and easy recipe offers a flavorful and healthy seafood main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Marinade

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For Serving

Lemon wedges
Metal or soaked wooden skewers

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Instructions

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for grilling the shrimp quickly and evenly.
Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, making sure each shrimp is evenly coated.
Skewer the Shrimp: Thread about 5–6 shrimp onto each metal or pre-soaked wooden skewer, arranging them snugly but without overlapping to ensure even cooking.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, then remove from heat and set aside.
Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and develop slight char marks.
Brush with Garlic Butter and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill, brush immediately with the garlic butter sauce generously, and serve warm. Accompany with extra garlic butter sauce and lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
This recipe pairs beautifully with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American