These Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are a must-have for seafood lovers and summer grilling fanatics alike. Tender shrimp are marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic mix, grilled to smoky perfection, and slathered in a luscious garlic butter that soaks into every bite.
Perfect for casual weeknights or impressing guests at a backyard BBQ, this recipe is elegant yet easy. Serve them with rice, salad, or crusty bread to make it a complete meal. Every bite delivers bold flavor with a light, citrusy lift. Once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite for sunny days and seafood cravings.
Full Recipe:
For the Shrimp Marinade:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley.
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Toss the shrimp in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
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Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
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Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers.
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Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
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Remove from grill and drizzle with garlic butter sauce. Garnish with more parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6–8 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Grilled Shrimp Skewers Are a Summertime Favorite
Grilled shrimp skewers are a perennial favorite for summer dining, thanks to their simplicity, speed, and sensational flavor. When paired with a rich garlic butter sauce, these skewers offer a beautiful balance of smoky char, savory richness, and a hint of citrus brightness. They’re elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, yet easy enough to throw together on a weeknight. Best of all, they’re incredibly versatile—perfect as a main dish, party appetizer, or light, protein-rich snack.
Shrimp, by nature, cook quickly and are a blank canvas for marinades and sauces. On the grill, they develop a slight crisp around the edges while staying tender and juicy on the inside. Skewering them not only makes flipping easier but also elevates the presentation. When brushed with a garlicky, lemon-infused butter sauce, the end result is a glossy, flavorful masterpiece that tastes as good as it looks.
A Little Bit of Coastal History
Seafood skewers, particularly shrimp, have a long tradition across coastal cultures. From Mediterranean kebabs to Southeast Asian seafood satay, the concept of skewering shellfish over an open flame has existed for centuries. In America, this technique became especially popular in coastal regions like the Gulf South and the Pacific Northwest, where fresh seafood is abundant and outdoor grilling is part of the lifestyle.
The garlic butter pairing is also steeped in culinary tradition. Garlic has been used for flavor and health benefits in cuisines around the world for millennia, while butter is a staple in French and European cooking. Combining them into a sauce that’s used both during and after grilling helps baste the shrimp and adds a luxurious texture to an otherwise lean protein.
What Makes This Recipe So Irresistible
There are a few key elements that make grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter sauce stand out from other grilled dishes:
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Flavor Depth: The garlic butter sauce isn’t just brushed on after cooking; it’s a foundational element of the dish. As the butter melts into the warm shrimp, it soaks into the grilled flesh, adding richness without overwhelming the natural seafood sweetness.
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Perfect Grill Marks: Shrimp don’t need long to cook—just a few minutes per side. When grilled over medium-high heat, they pick up gorgeous grill marks that enhance texture and give a satisfying smoky aroma.
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Citrus Brightness: Lemon juice and zest are used to balance the richness of the butter. This acidity keeps the flavor profile fresh and layered rather than heavy or greasy.
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Customizable Marinade: The marinade before grilling can be adapted with different spices and herbs to match your preferences—whether you enjoy a bit of heat, smokiness, or a hint of sweetness.
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Presentation & Ease: Because the shrimp are skewered, they’re simple to serve and eat. They also look incredibly appetizing when plated, especially with a sprinkle of parsley and a wedge of lemon.
Best Sides to Serve with Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp skewers can stand alone, but they truly shine when paired with well-chosen sides. Depending on your meal goals—light, indulgent, or festive—here are some pairing ideas:
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Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and red onions can be grilled alongside the shrimp for a colorful, healthy plate.
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Rice or Couscous: A lemon herb couscous or garlic butter rice makes a perfect starchy base to soak up any extra sauce.
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Fresh Salad: Think arugula with citrus vinaigrette, watermelon feta salad, or a cucumber dill yogurt salad for a refreshing contrast.
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Toasted Bread or Flatbread: Garlic butter shrimp screams for something that can mop up every drop of sauce. Crusty bread or warm pita is ideal.
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Tacos or Wraps: Stuff the grilled shrimp into soft tortillas with avocado, slaw, and lime crema for a casual twist.
Tips for Grilling the Perfect Shrimp Skewers
Cooking shrimp can be tricky because of their small size and quick cook time. Here are some tips to get it just right:
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Use Large or Jumbo Shrimp: These are easier to thread, less likely to overcook, and provide a meatier bite.
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Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re not using metal skewers, soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
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Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill ensures nice char marks and helps prevent sticking. Clean your grates and brush with oil before placing the shrimp.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between each shrimp so the heat can circulate and cook them evenly.
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Watch the Curl: Perfectly cooked shrimp form a loose “C” shape. If they tighten into an “O”, they’re likely overcooked and may become rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. You can do this quickly by running them under cold water or leaving them in the fridge overnight.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance?
Yes. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently before using so it melts and blends again.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you’re dairy-free, you can use ghee or a plant-based butter alternative. While the flavor may slightly vary, you’ll still get a rich, garlicky glaze.
Can I make this dish indoors?
Definitely. A grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat works well. You can also broil the shrimp in the oven, just be sure to keep a close eye on them.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid toughening the shrimp.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and garlic beautifully. For something a little richer, try a lightly oaked Chardonnay.
Variations to Try Next Time
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Spicy Cajun Shrimp Skewers: Add Cajun seasoning to the marinade for a smoky, peppery twist.
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Asian-Inspired Glaze: Swap butter for sesame oil and use soy sauce, ginger, and scallions in the sauce.
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Tropical Style: Marinate with lime, coconut milk, and cilantro, then serve with mango salsa.
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Greek-Style Skewers: Use oregano, lemon, and feta with a yogurt dill sauce on the side.
Each of these variations allows you to keep the core method but experiment with global flavors to keep things interesting.
Conclusion: The Perfect Recipe for Grilling Season
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are more than just a meal—they’re a culinary experience that combines ease, elegance, and bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a casual summer cookout, or just need a quick weekday meal, these shrimp deliver in all departments.
Their rich flavor, fast cook time, and adaptability make them one of the best dishes to master if you love grilling or seafood. They’re also a fantastic introduction to cooking shrimp at home, requiring minimal effort for a high-end result. With fresh ingredients, a good marinade, and just a few minutes on the grill, you can enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp in your own backyard—or even your kitchen.
So next time you’re looking for something quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, fire up the grill and bring out the garlic butter. These skewers are bound to become a favorite in your household.