Grilled Shrimp Skewers With Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

The Juiciest Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Succulent grilled shrimp skewers dance with a luxurious garlic butter sauce that promises pure coastal delight.

Marinades infuse incredible depth into each tender morsel of seafood.

Delicate shellfish absorb rich flavors, promising a meal that feels both elegant and effortless.

Mediterranean coastal traditions inspire this simple yet spectacular dish that connects you directly to ocean-fresh ingredients.

Perfectly charred edges hint at smoky complexity waiting to unfold on your plate.

Summer evenings call for these vibrant skewers that transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Let passion and fresh ingredients guide you toward creating something truly memorable.

Shrimp Skewers That Are Grilled, Garlicky, And Crowd-Pleasing

  • Savor Speed: Whip up these shrimp skewers in just 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty garlic butter sauce and bold spices, these skewers deliver restaurant-quality taste that will impress family and friends.
  • Grill Master Friendly: Incredibly simple technique makes this recipe approachable for beginners and experienced grillers alike, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Excellent for summer barbecues, casual dinner parties, or as a delightful appetizer that pairs wonderfully with salads, rice, or grilled vegetables.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Ingredient List

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that works perfectly for quick grilling, best when fresh or high-quality frozen, look for medium to large size for skewering.
Seasoning Group:
  • Olive Oil: Base for coating and helping spices stick to shrimp, helps create golden exterior.
  • Paprika: Adds warm color and mild smoky flavor, choose sweet or smoked variety.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides concentrated garlic essence without raw garlic texture.
  • Onion Powder: Adds subtle savory background notes.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps seasoning penetrate shrimp.
  • Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and aromatic depth.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for garlic sauce, unsalted recommended.
  • Fresh Garlic: Brings intense, sharp flavor to sauce, choose firm cloves with no green sprouts.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and cuts through richness of butter.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, herbaceous note and green color accent, flat-leaf preferred.

Grilling Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp Skewers

Grab wooden or metal skewers and carefully thread the shrimp onto them.

Leave a small gap between each shrimp to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 2: Season the Seafood

Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend using:
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss the shrimp skewers in this vibrant mixture, ensuring every inch gets coated with the delicious seasoning.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature.

The goal is to create those perfect golden-brown char marks while keeping the shrimp juicy and tender.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

The shrimp are done when they turn pink and slightly curl.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Mix in fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper.

Stir until everything combines into a silky, fragrant sauce.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Transfer the hot, sizzling shrimp skewers to a serving platter.

Generously drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the top.

Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and the sauce is bubbling.

Enjoy this restaurant-quality dish right at home!

Grilling Tips for Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Sauce

  • Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking to ensure shrimp don't stick and can be easily removed without tearing.
  • Watch shrimp closely while grilling, as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked; they're done when they turn pink and opaque.
  • Let seasoned shrimp sit for 10-15 minutes before grilling to allow spices to penetrate the meat and enhance overall taste.
  • Select fresh, high-quality shrimp and freshly minced garlic for the most vibrant and delicious garlic butter sauce.
  • For indoor cooking, use a grill pan or broiler if an outdoor grill isn't available, maintaining similar cooking times and temperature.

Store Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter

  • Store leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of butter to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Skip microwaving as it can make shrimp tough and rubbery. The delicate texture will deteriorate quickly with direct high heat.
  • Grilled shrimp tastes best when eaten immediately after cooking. Leftovers won't have the same crisp texture and vibrant flavor as freshly grilled shrimp.

What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp Skewers

  • Enhance Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Perfectly Matched Pairings
  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the rich garlic butter sauce.
  • Zesty Citrus Salad Partner: Prepare a light Mediterranean-style salad with lemon vinaigrette, mixed greens, cucumber, and feta cheese to balance the grilled seafood's richness.
  • Herbed Couscous Side: Create a fluffy herbed couscous with fresh parsley, mint, and a touch of olive oil to soak up the garlic butter sauce and provide a delightful texture contrast.
  • Crusty Bread Dipper: Serve warm, crusty French bread or sourdough to mop up the remaining garlic butter sauce, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the meal.

Shrimp Skewer Marinade Alternatives

  • Keto-Friendly Option: Replace shrimp with chicken or scallops, using coconut oil instead of butter to maintain low-carb profile. Add extra herbs for flavor boost.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap shrimp with firm tofu or large portobello mushroom slices. Marinate in same seasoning blend and grill with similar technique for plant-based alternative.
  • Spicy Caribbean Style: Add cayenne pepper and jamaican jerk seasoning to original spice mix. Include a splash of rum in garlic butter sauce for authentic Caribbean flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herbs Variation: Incorporate dried oregano, fresh mint, and za'atar spice blend. Use olive oil infused with Mediterranean herbs for additional depth and authentic regional taste.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slightly curled shape. They should take only 2-3 minutes per side on the grill and feel firm when touched.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to completely thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better char and prevents steaming on the grill.

  • What type of skewers work best for grilling shrimp?

Metal skewers are ideal because they conduct heat evenly and don’t burn like wooden skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

  • Is it necessary to devein the shrimp before grilling?

While not mandatory, deveining removes the digestive tract and improves the shrimp’s appearance and taste. For large or jumbo shrimp, deveining is recommended for a cleaner eating experience.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Grilled Shrimp Skewers With Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Skewers With Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Summer sizzles with these Grilled Shrimp Skewers bathed in luxurious garlic butter sauce, bringing Mediterranean coastal magic to your plate. Succulent shrimp caramelize perfectly, delivering intense flavor that invites you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Garlic Butter Sauce Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Carefully arrange raw shrimp onto wooden or metal skewers, ensuring each crustacean has slight spacing to promote even cooking and prevent overcrowding.
  2. Create a robust seasoning blend by whisking together olive oil with aromatic spices including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Generously coat each skewered shrimp with the spice mixture, massaging the seasonings into the seafood to ensure comprehensive flavor coverage.
  4. Heat outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating optimal surface for achieving beautiful caramelization and smoky char marks.
  5. Position seasoned shrimp skewers onto hot grill surface, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until proteins transform from translucent to opaque white with delicate golden edges.
  6. While shrimp sizzle, craft garlic butter sauce by melting rich butter in small saucepan over gentle heat, introducing minced garlic and allowing aromatics to release fragrant notes.
  7. Enhance butter sauce with fresh lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, and subtle seasoning of salt and cracked pepper to elevate flavor complexity.
  8. Transfer perfectly grilled shrimp skewers directly onto serving platter, accompanying with warm garlic butter sauce for drizzling or dipping.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Use large or jumbo shrimp for better presentation and easier handling on the grill.
  • Keep shrimp cold until just before seasoning to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Customize seasoning by adding chili flakes or smoked paprika for extra heat and depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star