Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Oh, let me tell you about these Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers. Last weekend, we had a spontaneous family barbecue, and I was scrambling for something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious to throw on the grill. I remembered a recipe idea I’d bookmarked ages ago for garlic butter shrimp skewers, and let me just say, it was a total game-changer! From the moment the garlic and butter started sizzling on the grill, the aroma was intoxicating. And the taste? Pure heaven! The shrimp were succulent, perfectly cooked, and bursting with that rich, garlicky, buttery flavor. Even my picky-eater kids devoured them, which is always a win in my book. They were so simple to prepare, yet they tasted like something you’d order at a fancy seafood restaurant. Honestly, these skewers have become a new family favorite, and I can’t wait to share this incredibly easy and flavorful recipe with you. Get ready to experience shrimp skewers like never before – they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering!

Ingredients

• Shrimp: 2 pounds, large or jumbo size, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp will work wonderfully. Choose shrimp that are firm and smell fresh, avoiding any with a fishy odor. The size is up to you, but larger shrimp are easier to skewer and tend to stay juicier on the grill.
• Butter: 1 cup, unsalted. Butter is the heart of the flavor in this recipe, creating a rich and luxurious base for the garlic and herbs. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor.
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, aromatic garlic butter flavor. Mincing it finely ensures that the garlic flavor infuses evenly throughout the butter and shrimp.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. Parsley adds a bright, fresh, and slightly peppery note to the dish, balancing the richness of the butter and garlic. Fresh parsley is preferred for its vibrant flavor and color.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Lemon juice provides a crucial element of acidity, cutting through the richness of the butter and enhancing the sweetness of the shrimp. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for its bright and zesty flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add a subtle hint of heat to the skewers, creating a more complex flavor profile. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Salt is crucial for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients and seasoning the shrimp properly. Adjust the amount to your preference, keeping in mind that seafood naturally contains some salt.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent and aromatic spice that complements the garlic and butter beautifully. Adjust the amount to your taste.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important because excess moisture can hinder browning and steaming the shrimp instead of grilling. Drying them will help them get a nice sear on the grill.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Be careful not to let the butter brown or burn. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and softened but not browned. Sautéing the garlic in butter releases its aromatic oils, creating a more flavorful base for the sauce.
3. Combine Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. This is your flavor base, so make sure it tastes perfect to you!
4. Marinate the Shrimp (Optional but Recommended): Place the shrimp in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour about half of the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp, reserving the remaining sauce for basting and serving. Gently toss to coat the shrimp evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. Marinating allows the shrimp to absorb the delicious garlic butter flavors, resulting in more flavorful and tender skewers. Longer marinating times (up to 1 hour) will yield more intense flavor.
5. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing and covered with white ash. If using a gas grill, preheat to around 375-450°F (190-230°C). A medium-high heat is ideal for grilling shrimp as it cooks them quickly without drying them out.
6. Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Aim for about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, depending on their size and the length of your skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Leave a little space between each shrimp.
7. Grill the Shrimp Skewers: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch them carefully to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery. They are done when they turn pink and opaque throughout.
8. Baste with Garlic Butter Sauce: During the last minute of grilling on each side, brush the shrimp skewers generously with the reserved garlic butter sauce. This adds extra flavor and keeps them moist and glistening. Basting during the last minute prevents the sauce from burning and allows it to glaze the shrimp beautifully.
9. Serve Immediately: Remove the grilled garlic butter shrimp skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve while they are hot and juicy for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximate, based on 4 servings)

• Serving Size: 2 skewers (approximately 5-6 shrimp)
• Calories: 350
• Fat: 25g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes peeling, deveining shrimp, making sauce, and skewering)
• Marinating Time: 15-60 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Cook Time: 6-8 minutes (grilling time)
• Total Time: 41-88 minutes (including marinating)

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, especially if you opt for a shorter marinating time. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings when you want a flavorful and impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

These Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• As an Appetizer:
  • Serve them on a platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an elegant and flavorful appetizer at parties or gatherings.
  • Pair them with a dipping sauce like aioli, cocktail sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
  • Arrange them artfully on a bed of greens for a visually appealing presentation.
• As a Main Course:
  • Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the skewers over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. This creates a complete and satisfying meal.
  • With Pasta: Toss the grilled shrimp skewers with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti, along with the remaining garlic butter sauce. Add some cherry tomatoes, spinach, or artichoke hearts for a more substantial pasta dish.
  • Alongside Grilled Vegetables: Pair them with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or corn on the cob for a healthy and balanced meal. The smoky flavors of grilled vegetables complement the shrimp beautifully.
  • In Tacos or Wraps: Flake the grilled shrimp and use them as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add your favorite toppings like shredded cabbage, salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
  • On a Salad: Top a fresh green salad with the grilled shrimp skewers for a light and protein-packed meal. A citrus vinaigrette or a creamy ranch dressing would pair well.
• Side Dish Pairings:
  • Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread is always a welcome accompaniment to garlic butter shrimp.
  • Coleslaw or Potato Salad: A refreshing coleslaw or creamy potato salad provides a cool and contrasting side dish.
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy grilled corn on the cob is a perfect summer side dish.
  • Caprese Salad: A simple Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a light and flavorful side.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

1. Choose High-Quality Shrimp: Start with the best quality shrimp you can find. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp can also be excellent. Look for firm, plump shrimp that smell fresh and don’t have any discoloration.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between each shrimp on the skewer. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and lead to steamed rather than grilled shrimp.
3. Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill and makes them easier to handle.
4. Don’t Over-Marinate: While marinating enhances flavor, don’t marinate shrimp for too long, especially in acidic marinades like lemon juice. Over-marinating can make the shrimp mushy. 30-60 minutes is usually sufficient.
5. Preheat the Grill Properly: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the skewers on. A hot grill ensures that the shrimp cook quickly and develop a nice sear.
6. Oil the Grill Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates before grilling to prevent the shrimp from sticking. You can use cooking oil spray or brush the grates with oil using a paper towel dipped in oil.
7. Watch the Cooking Time Closely: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and dry. Grill them for just 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
8. Baste Generously: Basting the shrimp skewers with the garlic butter sauce during the last minute of grilling adds extra flavor and moisture. Don’t be shy with the basting!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly well. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold running water. Pat them dry thoroughly before marinating to remove excess moisture.

Q2: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the garlic butter sauce and marinate the shrimp ahead of time. You can even skewer the shrimp in advance and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before grilling. However, it’s best to grill and serve them immediately for the best taste and texture.

Q3: What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook these another way?
A: Yes, you can definitely cook these shrimp skewers without a grill! You can broil them in the oven, sauté them in a skillet on the stovetop, or even bake them. For broiling, preheat your broiler and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully. For sautéing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil or butter and cook the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to the skewers?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the skewers is a great way to make them a more complete meal and add extra flavor and nutrition. Good vegetable options include bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pineapple chunks. Just be mindful of the cooking time of the vegetables and shrimp – some vegetables may take longer to cook than shrimp.

Q5: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
A: Fresh parsley is preferred for its bright and vibrant flavor, but if you only have dried parsley on hand, you can use it. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every tablespoon of fresh parsley. Keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so use them sparingly.

Q6: How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the butter sauce?
A: To prevent the garlic from burning, cook it over medium-low heat and sauté it gently until it’s fragrant and softened, but not browned. Garlic burns easily, especially when minced. Keep a close eye on it and reduce the heat if it starts to brown too quickly.

Q7: Can I make a larger batch of these skewers?
A: Yes, this recipe is easily scalable. Simply double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch for a crowd. Just ensure you have enough grill space to cook them efficiently.

Q8: What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
A: There are many delicious variations you can try!
* Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* Lemon Herb Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano along with the parsley.
* Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp: Use Cajun seasoning in the marinade and sauce for a spicy and flavorful twist.
* Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.
* Coconut Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add a splash of coconut milk to the garlic butter sauce for a creamy and tropical flavor.

Enjoy making and savoring these incredibly flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers! They are sure to become a go-to recipe for your grilling adventures.