Introduction

These are the BEST Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce, a perfect quick meal for summer grilling. The plump shrimp are marinated and grilled to perfection, then drizzled with a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. For another fantastic seafood dish with a similar flavor profile, try this Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe.

Ingredients

These Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce come together with simple ingredients that create a bright, garlicky, and succulent dish perfect for any cookout.

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This streamlined approach to Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce is about 20% faster than similar recipes, getting you from prep to plate in under half an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Shrimp

Peel and devein 1.5 pounds of large shrimp, leaving the tails on for easy handling. Pat them completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for getting a good sear on the grill.

Step 2 — Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let them sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 3 — Soak Skewers & Thread Shrimp

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread 4-5 marinated shrimp onto each skewer, pushing through both the tail and thicker end to secure them.

Step 4 — Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them well to prevent the shrimp from sticking. A properly heated grill ensures those perfect grill marks.

Step 5 — Grill the Shrimp Skewers

Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight charring. Do not overcook; shrimp cook very quickly and will become rubbery.

Step 6 — Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the shrimp grill, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 finely minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Transfer the grilled shrimp skewers to a platter. Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite sides for a perfect meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~32 g
Carbohydrates	~3 g
Fat	~15 g
Fiber	~0 g
Sodium	~850 mg

This dish is also a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus.

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple swaps let you customize your Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce for different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap: Chicken or Scallops — Use boneless chicken thighs or large sea scallops for a different, equally delicious protein. Adjust grilling time accordingly.
• Lower-Carb Option: Zucchini Noodles — Serve the skewers over a bed of zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of rice or pasta for a light, low-carb meal.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Replace regular butter with a high-quality plant-based butter or olive oil in the garlic sauce for a rich, dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Assurance — This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels on any pre-made seasonings or sauces to ensure they contain no hidden gluten.
• Low-Sodium Version — Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos and limit added salt, letting the natural sweetness of the shrimp and fresh garlic shine.
• Herb-Infused Oil — For a lighter sauce, swap the garlic butter for a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil infused with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or oregano.
• Lemon Pepper Marinade — Marinate the shrimp in lemon juice, black pepper, and a touch of olive oil before grilling for a bright, citrus-forward flavor profile with less fat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce with a light, citrusy salad like a watermelon feta salad or a simple arugula and lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• For a heartier meal, serve them over a bed of cilantro lime rice, creamy polenta, or alongside grilled asparagus or corn on the cob.
• These skewers are perfect for summer cookouts and casual gatherings; serve them straight off the grill on a large platter for easy sharing.
• Elevate a weeknight dinner by plating the shrimp skewers atop a swirl of the garlic butter sauce and garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and a lemon wedge.
• Create a vibrant Mediterranean spread by serving them with tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a side of Greek salad.
• For an elegant appetizer, remove the shrimp from the skewers after grilling and serve them in a shallow bowl with the garlic butter sauce for dipping, accompanied by crusty bread.

The versatility of this dish makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from a quick family dinner to an impressive party centerpiece.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using shrimp that are too small or overcooked. Fix: Choose large (16/20 or 21/25 count) shrimp and grill just until opaque and firm, about 1-2 minutes per side.
• Mistake: Skewering shrimp straight from the fridge. Fix: Let shrimp sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even, quick cooking.
• Mistake: Forgetting to soak wooden skewers. Fix: Soak skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Mistake: Crowding shrimp tightly on the skewer. Fix: Leave a tiny space between each shrimp so heat can circulate for perfect searing.
• Mistake: Adding garlic butter sauce too early. Fix: Brush sauce on during the last minute of grilling to prevent the garlic from burning and turning bitter.
• Mistake: Using high heat for the entire cook time. Fix: Start with high heat for a good sear, then move to medium to finish cooking through without drying out.
• Mistake: Skipping the pat-dry step before seasoning. Fix: Pat shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels so your seasoning and oil stick for better flavor.
• Mistake: Not preheating the grill grates. Fix: Preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes to get those clean, defined grill marks and prevent sticking.
• Mistake: Over-marinating in acidic ingredients. Fix: Limit acidic marinades (like lemon juice) to 30 minutes max, or the shrimp will become mushy.
• Mistake: Serving the skewers without extra sauce. Fix: Always reserve a portion of the garlic butter sauce for dipping or drizzling right before serving.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover grilled shrimp skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the shrimp have cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled, cooked shrimp (removed from skewers) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. The garlic butter sauce can be frozen separately.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave at reduced power, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid high heat to prevent rubbery shrimp.

Always use shallow containers for rapid cooling and never leave cooked shrimp at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Conclusion

These Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are a quick, flavorful way to elevate any summer meal. For more delicious seafood dishes, try our Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe or Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment and subscribe for more!

Print

FAQs

How long should I marinate the shrimp for these skewers?

Marinate the shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes. A longer soak can make the shrimp mushy due to the acid in the marinade. This timing ensures your Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are perfectly tender.

Can I cook these shrimp skewers on an indoor grill pan?

Yes, an indoor grill pan works perfectly. Preheat it over medium-high heat and cook the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side. You will still achieve a great sear and can finish them with the garlic butter sauce.

What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Ensure your grill grates are very clean, well-oiled, and hot before adding the skewers. Patting the shrimp completely dry before marinating also helps. Proper technique is key for flawless Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce.