If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet wonderfully simple to prepare, the Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe blends succulent shrimp infused with zesty marinade and slathered in a heavenly garlic butter sauce that feels just like summer on a plate. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next barbecue, these skewers bring a delightful balance of smoky grill marks and rich, buttery goodness. Get ready to fall in love with every juicy, tender bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and all the flavor in this recipe. Each component plays a key role from marinating the shrimp to creating that luscious garlic butter sauce that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed large shrimp to ensure a meaty bite that holds up well on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This locks in moisture during marination and adds a smooth finish to the shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Provides a bright, acidic contrast to the richness of the butter and enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds pungent depth to the marinade and infuses a savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Delivers a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat for balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a hint of spice if you like a little kick.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add lovely visual appeal.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, melting into a rich, velvety coating for the shrimp.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Nearly double the garlic for the sauce to create an irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the sauce tangy and fresh.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Garnishes the sauce with a burst of color and herbaceous notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning adjustments to perfect the sauce.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and chopped parsley in a bowl. This marinade is what really infuses your shrimp with layers of bright and savory flavors. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until each piece is coated beautifully, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest time is crucial—it allows the shrimp to soak up all those vibrant ingredients before you hit the grill.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the shrimp marinates, melt unsalted butter gently over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. The key here is to avoid browning the garlic to keep its fresh, bold flavor. Stir in lemon juice and parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep your sauce warm but not boiling as you grill your shrimp—the buttery garlic goodness will be waiting to elevate your skewers the moment they’re off the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure you get those gorgeous grill marks and that slightly smoky flavor. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, spacing them evenly so they cook consistently. Grill the shrimp 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—this is when they’re perfectly cooked and juicy. Watch carefully here; shrimp cook fast and can become rubbery if left too long.
Step 4: Serve with Garlic Butter Sauce
Remove the shrimp from the skewers and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce generously over the shrimp, letting it soak in and coat every morsel. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds that final touch of color and freshness. Your Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is now ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon can instantly brighten up the presentation. Adding chopped herbs not only looks pretty but also refreshes the palate with a herbal note that complements the richness of the garlic butter.
Side Dishes
Pair your shrimp skewers with light sides like a crisp summer salad, garlic roasted vegetables, or a bed of fluffy rice pilaf to soak up every bit of that buttery sauce. For a more casual meal, crusty bread or warm pita makes an excellent companion for mopping up leftover garlic butter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the skewers over grilled corn on the cob or atop a creamy polenta for a fun twist. You can even layer them on a platter with grilled fruit such as pineapple or peaches—those sweet and smoky combinations are irresistible. For parties, arrange skewers standing upright in a tall glass for a dramatic display that’s both practical and eye-catching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days and can be enjoyed cold on salads or reheated gently.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp is possible but best done if you separate the shrimp from the butter sauce. Place shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze quickly, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. The sauce can be frozen separately in a small container. Both should ideally be used within one month for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shrimp slowly in a pan over low heat, adding a little fresh butter or olive oil to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as shrimp can easily become rubbery. Warm the garlic butter sauce gently on its own and drizzle it over just before serving to revive those bold flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating. This step helps the marinade soak in better and prevents steaming instead of grilling.
What can I substitute for fresh parsley?
If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, dried parsley can be used, though add it to the marinade rather than the sauce for better flavor. Alternatively, fresh cilantro or basil can provide a different but delicious herbal note.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, simply omit the red pepper flakes. The marinade and garlic butter sauce are flavorful enough on their own, so you won’t miss the heat if you prefer a milder dish.
How long can shrimp be marinated?
Thirty minutes to an hour is ideal for this recipe. Marinating much longer can start to “cook” the shrimp due to the acidity of lemon juice, altering the texture.
Can I cook this recipe indoors?
Definitely! A grill pan or even a broiler works well. Just keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook quickly and can overcook if unattended.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe that just makes everyone smile. It’s straightforward yet elegant, packed with flavor but effortless to prepare. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this dish brings people together around the table. So go ahead, try it out, and watch it become a beloved favorite in your cooking repertoire!
Print
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and flavorful grilled shrimp skewers marinated in a zesty garlic and lemon mixture, served with a rich homemade garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and elegant seafood meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.
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 to combine to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld deeply.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, preparing to infuse it with garlic flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm while grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to cook the shrimp quickly and evenly.
- Thread the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, spacing them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook.
- Serve the Shrimp: Remove the grilled shrimp from the skewers and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired for a beautiful presentation and added freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen if possible.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- The garlic butter sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
