Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
These flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers feature succulent shrimp coated in a rich garlic butter marinade, perfect for grilling, broiling, or pan-frying. Quick to prepare and cook, they make an ideal appetizer or light main course.
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Medium bowl
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Grill
- Baking sheet
- Foil
- Large skillet or grill pan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- Wooden or metal skewers if using wooden, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes
Garlic Butter Marinade
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced (or 2 tablespoons pre-minced garlic)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon paprika for color and mild flavor
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice optional, for brightness
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then stir in fresh lemon juice if desired.
- Add the dried shrimp to the garlic butter mixture and toss gently until all shrimp are evenly coated.
- Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, ensuring not to overcrowd and leaving small spaces between them for even cooking.
Cooking Methods
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C), lightly oil the grates, and grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Broiling: Preheat your broiler, line a baking sheet with foil, place skewers on it, and broil for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Pan-Frying: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil or butter, then cook skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Serving
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added color and freshness.
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges for a bright squeeze.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the skewers to ensure even cooking. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use to prevent burning. Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges for a refreshing zest.