Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Butter is one of those recipes that instantly brings the feeling of summer, sunshine, and seaside dining to your table. The smoky char from the grill combined with the juicy tenderness of shrimp creates a beautiful contrast in texture and flavor. The lemon butter sauce adds brightness, richness, and comfort in every bite—making this dish both refreshing and indulgent.

Perfect for backyard grilling, family dinners, or even elegant entertaining, these shrimp skewers are simple, fast, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a showstopper summer cookout centerpiece, this recipe delivers every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortlessly impressive. Shrimp cooks incredibly quickly, yet tastes like a restaurant-quality dish when paired with fresh lemon, butter, garlic, and herbs. The grill adds depth and smokiness, giving the shrimp a beautifully caramelized, lightly charred finish. It’s satisfying without feeling heavy, and it pairs well with almost anything—from salad to rice to pasta.

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes
Light yet flavorful: Perfect for health-conscious meals
Versatile: Works as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a surf-and-turf menu
Crowd-pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike
Elegant yet simple: Perfect for both casual meals and special occasions

Recipe Overview

Category	Details
Cuisine	American / Mediterranean Inspired
Course	Main Dish or Appetizer
Servings	4
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	6–8 minutes
Calories	Approx. 260 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

Extra lemon wedges
Fresh herbs

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with a towel.
Toss with olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Let marinate for 5–10 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Skewers

Thread 4–6 shrimp onto each skewer.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes beforehand.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and fresh herbs. Set aside.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp turns pink and lightly charred.
Brush with lemon butter during the last 30 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve the shrimp skewers warm and brushed with extra lemon butter sauce. Pair with:

Steamed rice or rice pilaf
Grilled vegetables
Garlic bread
Summer salad
Pasta or couscous

Finish with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook shrimp — they become rubbery. Remove as soon as they turn opaque and pink.
Use large or jumbo shrimp to prevent drying out.
Preheat grill fully for best char marks and quick cooking.

Variations

Style	Change
Spicy Cajun Version	Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning
Garlic Parmesan	Add grated parmesan to sauce before serving
Herb Mediterranean	Add oregano, thyme, and extra olive oil
Coconut-Lime Tropical	Replace butter with coconut milk and add lime juice

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigerator (cooked)	2–3 days	Store airtight
Refrigerator (marinated raw)	12–18 hours	Best texture
Freezing raw shrimp	Up to 3 months	Freeze before marinating

Special Equipment Needed

Grill or grill pan
Skewers (metal or wooden soaked in water)
Basting brush (optional)

FAQ

Q: Can I make this without a grill?
Yes — cook in a grill pan or broil in the oven for 5–6 minutes.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely — thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Q: Can I substitute the butter?
Yes — olive oil or dairy-free butter works great.

Conclusion

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Butter is a simple yet vibrant dish that highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp enhanced by smoky grilling and tangy, rich lemon butter. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with loved ones, this dish guarantees delicious results with minimal effort—and will leave everyone wanting seconds.