Savory Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Recipe

By Sophie Hart – Recipes and Home Inspiration

January 14, 2025

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Introduction and Quick Summary

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter are the epitome of a summer delight. These skewers not only offer a burst of flavor but also bring a touch of elegance to your backyard barbecue or dinner party. Imagine succulent shrimp marinated in a rich garlic butter sauce, grilled to perfection and served hot off the grill. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also allows you to impress your guests with minimal effort.

The beauty of Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter lies in their versatility. You can serve them as an appetizer, main course, or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. The combination of buttery garlic and crispy grilled shrimp creates an unforgettable flavor profile that everyone will love. Plus, they cook quickly on the grill, making them ideal for those busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

In this article, we will explore the essential ingredients needed to create these flavorful skewers, provide step-by-step instructions for preparation and grilling techniques, and share tips on serving and storing leftover skewers. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Main Ingredients

Shrimp

Shrimp is the star ingredient of our dish. For this recipe, you’ll need one pound of large raw shrimp (16-20 count) that have been deveined and peeled. Large shrimp hold up well on the grill and offer a satisfying bite. When selecting shrimp, look for those that are firm and have a slight sheen; avoid those that smell overly fishy or have black spots on the shell. If possible, opt for wild-caught varieties as they tend to have better flavor compared to farmed ones.

Garlic

Garlic adds a robust flavor that elevates our grilled shrimp skewers to new heights. Use four cloves of fresh garlic for this recipe; minced finely will ensure even distribution throughout the marinade. Fresh garlic provides a sharpness that’s hard to replicate with powdered alternatives. Additionally, it offers numerous health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost immunity.

Butter

For that luscious richness in our marinade, use half a cup of unsalted butter. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels in your dish better than salted varieties would. Once melted and combined with our minced garlic and herbs, it creates a decadent base that coats each piece of shrimp beautifully without overwhelming their natural flavors.

Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for balancing the richness of the butter while adding brightness to our skewers. You’ll need about two tablespoons of lemon juice extracted from one medium-sized lemon. The acidity in lemon juice helps tenderize the shrimp while enhancing their flavor profile without overpowering it.

Herbs

For added freshness and aroma, include two tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley along with salt and pepper to taste. Parsley lends an earthy note that complements both the garlic and butter perfectly while adding vibrant color when serving.

Recipe preparation

How to Prepare Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Begin by preparing the marinade that will infuse our grilled shrimp skewers with incredible flavor. In a mixing bowl, melt half a cup of unsalted butter over low heat to avoid burning it. Once melted, remove it from heat and add four minced garlic cloves along with two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and two tablespoons of chopped parsley.

Whisk all these ingredients together until well combined; you should see a rich golden mixture filled with flecks of green from the parsley—a sign of freshness! Season generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences; keep in mind that some seasoning will later come from grilling too.

Next comes the exciting part—add one pound of peeled and deveined large raw shrimp into this marinade ensuring each piece gets coated evenly! Cover this bowl tightly using plastic wrap or transfer everything into a resealable plastic bag if preferred—this allows easier marinating later on.

Let your marinated shrimp sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so they can absorb all those delicious flavors before hitting the grill! If you’re prepping ahead of time or want more intense flavors—marinate them in the refrigerator overnight!

Step 2: Prepare Your Grill

While your marinated shrimp soak up all those garlicky goodness flavors—it’s time to prep your grill! Ensure you have either charcoal or gas ready depending on what type you are using—preheat it over medium-high heat (around 400°F).

If using charcoal briquettes—light them up beforehand giving enough time until they turn grayish-white ash which indicates they are ready! For gas grills—simply turn on burners adjusting knobs accordingly until desired temperature reaches!

Before placing anything onto heated grates—clean them thoroughly using either brush or paper towel soaked in oil—this prevents sticking during cooking process especially important when dealing with delicate seafood like shrimps!

Now let’s talk about skewer preparation! If you’re using wooden skewers soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling so they don’t burn up entirely during cooking process! Metal skewers don’t require soaking but can get quite hot so handle carefully!

Step 3: Skewer & Grill

Once everything is set—the fun part begins! Carefully thread each marinated piece onto prepared skewer leaving little space between each piece allowing even cooking throughout entire skewer length—about five shrimps per stick works well!

When all skewered up—it’s finally time! Place these onto preheated grill making sure not overcrowd—grill them over direct medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until pinkish-orange color appears indicating they’re fully cooked through while still tender inside!

As soon as they reach desired doneness (not more than 4-5 minutes total)—immediately remove them from grill onto serving platter letting cool slightly while retaining all juices locked inside!

Serving and storing

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

When it comes down serving Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter—the presentation matters just as much as taste itself! Start by arranging skewers neatly on large platter garnished generously with additional fresh parsley sprigs alongside wedges from remaining lemon used earlier—adding visual appeal while providing guests option squeeze extra zest if desired!

Pairing options could include light refreshing salads featuring greens like arugula tossed lightly vinaigrette which cuts beautifully through buttery richness complementing overall meal experience perfectly well! Alternatively serve alongside fluffy rice pilaf infused fragrant herbs giving hearty component balance out lighter proteins found within shrimps themselves!

If planning outdoor gathering consider setting up dipping station featuring complementary sauces such as spicy aioli or zesty cocktail sauce allowing guests personalize their experience further enjoying delicious flavors at every bite without compromising quality!

Storage Guidelines

If by any chance there are leftovers after delightful feast—it’s important know storing tips properly extend freshness ensuring safety consumption days later down road too! Allow leftover skewered shrimps cool completely before transferring airtight container refrigerate promptly within two hours post-cooking process keeping food safety principles paramount always top priority!

Stored properly—in fridge these tasty morsels should last around 2-3 days maximum freshness retained longer than few hours post-grilling session! Reheating suggestions involve gently warming them back up either microwave-safe dish covered lightly damp paper towel preventing drying out whilst heating evenly throughout duration just couple minutes suffice usually!

Avoid refreezing thawed cooked items again unless absolutely necessary since altering texture significantly alters overall quality yield less enjoyable experience upon reheating next time around hence best enjoy within short span after initial preparation instead savoring deliciousness right away!

Mistakes to avoid

When preparing grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter, it is essential to steer clear of common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results. One critical mistake is using shrimp that is not fresh. Fresh shrimp has a firm texture and a pleasant ocean scent, while old shrimp can have an off-putting smell and a mushy texture. Always purchase shrimp from reputable sources and check for signs of freshness.

Another frequent error involves overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cooks very quickly, and even a minute too long on the grill can turn them rubbery and tough. The ideal cooking time for shrimp is around 2-3 minutes per side depending on their size. Keep a close watch while grilling to ensure they reach that perfect tender state without going overboard.

A third mistake is neglecting the importance of marinating. While shrimp can be flavorful on their own, marinating them in a garlic butter mixture enhances their taste significantly. A simple marinade of melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs can elevate your dish. Allow your shrimp to soak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling for maximum flavor.

Finally, failing to soak wooden skewers or using metal skewers improperly can be detrimental. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling; otherwise, they may burn on the grill. If using metal skewers, ensure they are suitable for grilling and allow enough space between the shrimp pieces so they cook evenly.

Tips and tricks

For the perfect grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter, consider these valuable tips and tricks to enhance your cooking experience. First, opt for large shrimp as they are easier to handle on skewers and provide a more satisfying bite. Large or jumbo-sized shrimp hold up better during grilling and absorb flavors more effectively than smaller varieties.

Next, pay attention to seasoning your garlic butter correctly. Using quality ingredients such as fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can make a significant difference in flavor. Adding zest from fresh lemons or limes gives an extra zing that complements the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully.

Another handy trick is to grill vegetables alongside your shrimp skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can add color and make your meal more balanced. Just make sure to cut them into uniform sizes so they cook evenly alongside the shrimp.

Additionally, consider using indirect heat when grilling your skewers if you notice that they are browning too quickly. This technique allows for even cooking without burning while ensuring the inside remains juicy and tender.

Lastly, let your grilled shrimp rest for a few minutes after taking them off the grill before serving. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in succulent bites when you finally dig in.

Suggestions for Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter

To elevate your grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter experience further, there are several creative suggestions you might want to consider. First, think about varying your marinade ingredients. While classic garlic butter is fantastic, incorporating spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick to your dish.

Another suggestion is experimenting with different types of wood chips if you’re using a charcoal grill. Soaking cedar planks or mesquite chips can impart unique flavors that complement seafood beautifully and enhance the overall taste profile of your grilled shrimp.

You could also try pairing these delicious skewers with different dipping sauces like a zesty cocktail sauce or creamy avocado dip. This adds an interactive element to mealtime and allows guests to customize their dining experience according to their preferences.

Consider serving your grilled shrimp on top of a bed of rice or quinoa sprinkled with fresh herbs and lemon juice for added texture and flavor contrast. This method transforms simple skewers into a complete meal that’s visually appealing too.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to get creative with presentation by adding garnishes such as lemon wedges or herb sprigs on each plate when serving your grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter. A well-presented dish not only pleases the eye but also enhances anticipation before tasting those delectable flavors!

FAQs

How long should I marinate my grilled shrimp?

Marinating your grilled shrimp is essential for infusing flavor into each piece. Ideally, you should marinate them for at least 30 minutes but not longer than two hours. Over-marinating can cause the acid in citrus juices (like lemon) to begin cooking the shrimp chemically, leading them to become mushy rather than tender and juicy upon grilling.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! You can absolutely use frozen shrimp for grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter; however, it’s crucial to thaw them properly first. Place frozen shrimp in cold water or overnight in the refrigerator until fully defrosted before marinating and grilling them. Make sure not to leave them out at room temperature too long during thawing as this may compromise freshness.

What type of grill works best for making these skewers?

Both gas grills and charcoal grills work well for making grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter! Charcoal grills impart a smoky flavor that complements seafood nicely while gas grills offer convenience regarding temperature control. Choose whichever option you feel more comfortable using based on your experience level!

How do I know when my grilled shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Perfectly cooked grilled shrimp should be opaque throughout with no translucent areas remaining when finished cooking — usually taking around 2-3 minutes per side depending on size! Additionally, look out for that beautiful pink color; if you notice any curling up tightly into themselves while on heat means they’re done!

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything ahead of time by marinating the raw shrimps earlier in advance then skewer them right before grilling when ready! Cooked shrimps can also be stored in an airtight container within refrigeration but consume within two days max so they remain fresh!

What sides pair well with grilled shrimp?

A variety of sides pairs delightfully well alongside grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter! Consider serving options like light salads featuring mixed greens tossed lightly dressed vinaigrette; roasted vegetables seasoned simply; fluffy rice pilaf; or even some crusty bread perfect for soaking up any remaining delicious garlicky sauce!

Conclusion

In summary, creating mouthwatering grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter requires attention to detail regarding both preparation techniques and ingredient selection. Avoid common mistakes such as using non-fresh seafood or overcooking while incorporating helpful tips like choosing larger sizes of shrimps along with complementary marinades will enhance flavors immensely!

Experimenting creatively through suggestions such as different wood chips during grilling helps heighten taste experiences too! Finally addressing common questions ensures clarity surrounding preparation methods solidifies confidence amongst aspiring chefs eager enough share delightful meals around loved ones’ tables! Enjoy crafting this delectable dish today — happy grilling!

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