Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers are a quick, flavorful, and visually stunning dish perfect for weeknight dinners, barbecues, or special occasions. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a rich garlic butter sauce, threaded onto skewers, and grilled or broiled to perfection. The garlic and butter infuse every bite with savory, indulgent flavor, while a hint of lemon brightens the dish.

These skewers are perfect as an appetizer, a main dish with sides, or as part of a seafood platter. They’re fast, versatile, and sure to impress!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and fun to eat. The garlic butter marinade clings to the shrimp, creating a rich, indulgent taste without being heavy. Skewering the shrimp makes grilling or broiling easy, and they cook in just a few minutes. It’s also versatile—you can serve it with rice, pasta, or salad, making it perfect for any meal.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick & easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Packed with flavor: Garlic, butter, and a splash of lemon take shrimp to the next level.
• Versatile: Can be grilled, broiled, or pan-seared.
• Perfect for entertaining: Elegant presentation and crowd-pleasing taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Marination Time: 15–30 minutes (optional, for extra flavor)
• Cooking Time: 5–8 minutes
• Total Time: ~20–30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (about 4–5 skewers)
• Calories: ~220 per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American / Seafood
• Course: Main course or appetizer

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional for Skewers:

• Wooden or metal skewers (wooden soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare shrimp with garlic butter marinade.
2. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
3. Grill or broil until pink and slightly charred.
4. Serve with additional lemon and parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Marinate Shrimp: Place shrimp in a shallow bowl or zip-top bag. Pour garlic butter over shrimp, toss to coat evenly. Marinate 15–30 minutes in the fridge (optional for extra flavor).
3. Skewer Shrimp: Thread 3–5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.
4. Cook Shrimp:
   • Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cook skewers 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
   • Broil: Preheat broiler and place skewers on a broiler pan. Broil 2–3 minutes per side.
   • Pan-Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook skewers 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Finish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

How to Serve

• Over a bed of rice or quinoa for a full meal.
• With grilled vegetables for a light, healthy dinner.
• As an appetizer with cocktail sauce or aioli.
• Alongside garlic butter pasta for a seafood pasta night.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
• Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning on the grill.
• Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil with the garlic butter.
• Coconut Garlic Shrimp: Use coconut oil instead of butter and add a touch of coconut milk.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add cherry tomatoes and bell peppers to the skewers.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked shrimp skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven.
• Freezing: Raw marinated shrimp can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
• Reheating: Cooked shrimp are best eaten fresh, but can be warmed briefly in a skillet.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill, broiler, or skillet
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Small mixing bowl for marinade
• Tongs for flipping skewers

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, thaw and pat dry before marinating.

Q: Can I make this without skewers?
A: Absolutely! Cook shrimp directly in a skillet or on a grill pan.

Q: How do I prevent shrimp from sticking?
A: Brush grill or pan with oil and lightly coat shrimp in butter before cooking.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can marinate shrimp up to 30 minutes in advance, but cook immediately after marinating for best results.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers are a quick, elegant, and flavorful seafood dish that elevates shrimp to a restaurant-quality meal. With a rich garlic butter glaze, a touch of lemon, and optional herbs, they are juicy, tender, and irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend grilling, or entertaining guests, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves seafood that’s simple, fast, and full of flavor.