If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and easy enough to whip up any night of the week, this Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe is here to steal the show. Picture plump, juicy shrimp kissed by a smoky grill, then drenched in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce that makes every bite rich and irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels truly special and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating those unforgettable flavors and the perfect texture. From the saltiness of the butter to the vibrant brightness of fresh parsley and lemon, every component adds a layer of delight.
- 2 pounds large tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose large shrimp for the best texture and easy grilling.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic delivers that signature pungent and aromatic kick.
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted: Acts as the rich cooking medium and flavor base.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a beautiful color.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a gentle heat that rounds out the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic punch without overpowering the fresh cloves.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley: Brings fresh herbal brightness and color contrast.
- 1 lemon cut into wedges: For squeezing at the end, adding a zesty freshness that brightens each bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium-high. This ensures your shrimp will sear beautifully, developing that sought-after char and smoky flavor without sticking or overcooking. Patience here means a perfect texture later.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Marinade
Combine the melted butter with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, minced parsley, and fresh garlic in a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and aromatic. Don’t forget to set aside about a quarter cup of this garlic butter for basting later—it’s the secret to keeping the shrimp glossy and flavorful right before serving.
Step 3: Coat and Skewer the Shrimp
Toss the shrimp in the garlic butter marinade so each piece is fully coated. Thread them tightly onto skewers for easy grilling and flipping. The skewer method keeps the shrimp from falling through the grates and makes for a pretty presentation later on.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the shrimp skewers on your preheated grill and let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until they’re lightly charred and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp can become tough quickly. When done, remove the skewers and brush generously with the reserved garlic butter to lock in moisture and add an extra layer of richness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the skewers gives a pretty, vibrant finish and a subtle garden-fresh aroma that balances the rich butter. The lemon wedges are essential; a quick squeeze over the hot shrimp brightens up the dish and adds a lively citrus note that complements all the buttery goodness.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides that won’t compete but rather highlight the flavors. Think fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp green salad, or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread are perfect companions to soak up every bit of that garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving the grilled shrimp skewers over a bed of warm couscous or alongside a colorful quinoa salad. You can also turn them into tacos with fresh slaw and avocado or serve on a platter with crusty bread for a fantastic family-style sharing experience. The versatility of this dish means you can tailor it to the vibe and occasion with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days and retain much of their vibrant flavor when eaten cold or reheated gently.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them before cooking for optimal texture. However, if you must freeze leftovers of this Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe, make sure to cool completely and freeze in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter to avoid drying them out. Microwaving works too but do so in short bursts to prevent overcooking. The goal is to warm through without sacrificing the tender, juicy quality that makes this dish so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before marinating to prevent excess moisture, which can interfere with grilling and caramelization.
What type of grill works best for this recipe?
Both an outdoor grill and an indoor grill pan will work beautifully. The key is to have it hot enough to sear the shrimp quickly, so you get that perfect char without overcooking.
Can I make the garlic butter marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to toss it with your shrimp for maximum freshness.
Is it possible to make this recipe without skewers?
Definitely! If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the shrimp directly on a grill basket or foil tray. Just be sure to watch them closely as they cook quickly and might need gentle handling when flipping.
How spicy is the shrimp with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne adds a subtle warmth but doesn’t overpower the dish. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce or omit it without losing the overall depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe is a total winner when you want something fast, flavorful, and just plain fun to eat. The combination of buttery garlic, gentle heat, and the smoky char is downright addictive. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find it becoming a regular favorite for dinner, entertaining, or even those easy summer cookouts. Once you have this recipe in your repertoire, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Delicious Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp made with succulent large shrimp marinated in a flavorful garlic butter blend, perfectly grilled to a light char and served with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. A quick and easy seafood dish ideal for summer cookouts or a simple yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 2 pounds large tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 30 to 35 shrimp)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for serving
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the shrimp, ensuring it gets a nice sear and grill marks.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, minced parsley, and minced garlic until fully combined. Reserve ¼ cup of this mixture separately for brushing later.
- Marinate and Skewer Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the bowl with the remaining garlic butter mixture. Toss well until each shrimp is evenly coated with the marinade. Thread the shrimp tightly onto 6 skewers, distributing them evenly.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill without moving them for 3 to 4 minutes to develop a char. Flip the skewers and continue grilling for another 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and lightly charred.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled shrimp skewers on a large serving platter. Brush the reserved garlic butter over the shrimp, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are deveined and peeled but tail-on for easy handling and a nice presentation.
- To prevent skewers from burning, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control heat level according to your preference.
- Can be served with side dishes like rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover shrimp can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
