Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These are the Best Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce, a simple yet impressive dish perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight meal. The shrimp are marinated in a savory garlic butter sauce, grilled to perfection, and served with a generous extra drizzle of that irresistible sauce. For another delicious seafood recipe featuring a similar rich and garlicky flavor, try the Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe.

Ingredients

These grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter sauce come together with simple, fresh ingredients that promise a juicy, garlicky, and slightly smoky flavor in every bite.

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 8-10 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This recipe for Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a perfect choice for a quick and impressive meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Shrimp

Peel and devein 1.5 pounds of large shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired for presentation. Pat them completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for getting a good sear on the grill.

Step 2 — Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 3 — Soak Skewers & Preheat Grill

If using wooden or bamboo skewers, submerge them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C) for direct grilling.

Step 4 — Thread the Shrimp

Thread 4-5 marinated shrimp onto each skewer, piercing through both the head and tail end to keep them secure and flat for even cooking. Leave a small space between each shrimp.

Step 5 — Grill the Skewers

Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp are opaque and firm with light grill marks. Total cook time is typically 4-6 minutes—do not overcook.

Doneness Tip: Shrimp are done when they form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O,” they are overdone.

Step 6 — Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

While the shrimp grill, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 4 finely minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Transfer the grilled shrimp skewers to a platter. Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of sides like rice or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~32 g
Carbohydrates	~3 g
Fat	~15 g
Fiber	~0 g
Sodium	~850 mg

These Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are a high-protein, low-carb option. The dish is also a good source of selenium and vitamin B12. Values are per serving and are estimates based on typical ingredients and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple swaps let you enjoy delicious Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce while tailoring them to your dietary needs.

• Protein Swap: Scallops or Firm Tofu — Large sea scallops grill beautifully and offer a sweet, buttery flavor. For a plant-based option, use extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed for a satisfying texture that soaks up the garlic butter sauce.
• Lower-Carb Option: Zucchini Noodles or Cauliflower Rice — Serve your grilled shrimp skewers over a bed of zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta or rice for a lighter, veggie-packed meal.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Use a high-quality plant-based butter or olive oil to create the garlic sauce. The rich, savory notes will still perfectly complement the grilled shrimp.
• Gluten-Free Assurance — This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels on any pre-made seasonings or broth you might use to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Version — Reduce or omit added salt in the marinade and sauce. Rely on fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, extra garlic, a squeeze of lemon, and a crack of black pepper for big flavor without the sodium.
• Lighter Sauce: Olive Oil & Herb Infusion — For a lighter take on the garlic butter sauce, use extra virgin olive oil as the base with minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh chopped herbs.
• Sugar-Free Marinade — If your marinade includes honey or sugar, substitute with a splash of citrus juice or a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit to achieve a subtle caramelization on the grill.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce with a light, citrusy salad like a watermelon feta salad or a simple arugula and lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich butter.
• For a hearty meal, serve them over a bed of cilantro lime rice, fluffy quinoa, or alongside grilled vegetables like asparagus and bell peppers.
• Turn them into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by serving the skewers on a large platter with the garlic butter sauce for dipping and plenty of lemon wedges.
• Perfect for summer gatherings, these skewers are ideal for backyard barbecues, beach picnics, or as a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.
• For beautiful plating, arrange the skewers slightly fanned out on a long platter. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and microgreens.
• Complement the flavors with a crisp, cold beverage like a Sauvignon Blanc, a light lager, or a sparkling lemonade.

Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family meal, these grilled shrimp skewers are a versatile and delicious centerpiece.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using shrimp that are too small or thin. Fix: Opt for large (16/20 or 21/25 count) shrimp; they stay juicier and are less likely to overcook on the grill.
• Mistake: Not deveining the shrimp thoroughly. Fix: Use a sharp paring knife to remove the dark intestinal tract completely for better texture and presentation.
• Mistake: Skipping the marinade or using one with too much acid. Fix: Marinate for only 15-30 minutes in oil and herbs; long acidic baths (like lemon juice) will “cook” the shrimp, making them mushy.
• Mistake: Threading shrimp too tightly on the skewer. Fix: Leave a tiny space between each shrimp to ensure even heat circulation and perfect charring on all sides.
• Mistake: Placing skewers directly over roaring flames. Fix: Grill over medium-high heat (about 375-400°F) to cook the shrimp through without burning the delicate garlic butter sauce.
• Mistake: Overcooking by not accounting for carryover heat. Fix: Remove skewers just as the shrimp turn opaque and pink; they will continue to cook for another minute off the grill.
• Mistake: Adding the garlic butter sauce too early. Fix: Brush most of the sauce on during the last 1-2 minutes of grilling to infuse flavor without burning the garlic.
• Mistake: Using cold butter in the sauce. Fix: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature so it emulsifies smoothly with the lemon juice and herbs for a cohesive sauce.
• Mistake: Not soaking wooden skewers long enough. Fix: Submerge them in water for at least 30 minutes (or use a heavy plate to keep them down) to prevent them from charring completely on the grill.
• Mistake: Serving the skewers straight from the grill. Fix: Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover grilled shrimp skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the shrimp have cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat thawed shrimp in a 350°F oven or on a grill for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a skillet over medium heat. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

The garlic butter sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving with your reheated grilled shrimp skewers.

Conclusion

These Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are a fast, flavorful way to enjoy seafood. For more delicious shrimp dishes, try our Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce

Print Recipe

Juicy grilled shrimp skewers marinated in garlic and herbs, brushed with a rich garlic butter sauce for a flavorful seafood dish perfect for summer grilling.

• Author: Sophie Lane
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Method: Appetizer/Main
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 8–10 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the garlic butter sauce. Reserve half for brushing later.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, half of the garlic butter sauce, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 20-30 minutes.
3. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving space between each for even cooking.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Grill skewers 3-4 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
5. Brush with remaining garlic butter sauce and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Use two parallel skewers to keep shrimp from spinning. Do not overcook shrimp to keep them juicy.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 280mg

FAQs

How long should I grill the shrimp skewers?

Grill the shrimp skewers for about 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender and juicy for your perfect Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce.

Can I prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the shrimp and prepare the garlic butter sauce a few hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately until you are ready to grill. This makes assembling and cooking your Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce quick and easy.

What can I serve with these shrimp skewers?

These skewers pair wonderfully with rice, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables. The garlic butter sauce also makes a delicious drizzle for your sides. It’s a versatile main dish that suits many meals.