Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers with Lemon are a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or impressive appetizers for guests. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a rich garlic butter sauce and threaded onto skewers, then grilled to perfection.

The bright, zesty lemon enhances the buttery garlic flavor, creating a perfectly balanced seafood dish. This recipe is simple, versatile, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for shrimp lovers.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless yet incredibly flavorful. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon complements the natural sweetness of shrimp, creating a dish that tastes gourmet but cooks in minutes.

The skewers make it fun to serve and eat, and grilling them adds a subtle smoky char that elevates the overall taste. It’s also a versatile recipe, perfect for pairing with rice, salad, or pasta.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor.

The skewers are perfect for entertaining, and the garlic butter sauce keeps the shrimp moist and indulgent. Anyone who loves seafood or flavorful, easy-to-make meals will find this recipe irresistible.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marination Time: 15–30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 minutes
• Total Time: 30–40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~220 per serving
• Course: Main / Appetizer
• Cuisine: American / Seafood

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Skewers:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8–10 wooden or metal skewers

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss shrimp in the marinade until evenly coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

2. Prepare the Skewers

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread 3–4 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each shrimp for even cooking.

3. Cook the Shrimp

• Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
• Oven/Broiling: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and broil for 4–5 minutes per side.
• Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are cooked through.

4. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove skewers from heat and drizzle any remaining garlic butter over shrimp.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Make garlic butter marinade.
2. Toss shrimp in marinade and refrigerate.
3. Soak wooden skewers if needed.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
5. Grill, broil, or pan-sear until cooked.
6. Garnish with parsley and lemon; serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve with steamed rice, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
• Great as a main dish, party appetizer, or served over a salad or pasta.
• Squeeze additional lemon juice over shrimp for extra brightness.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
• Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
• Marinate no longer than 30 minutes to avoid “cooking” the shrimp in the acidic lemon juice.
• Keep some reserved garlic butter for drizzling after cooking.

Variations

• Spicy: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade.
• Herbaceous: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for a fragrant twist.
• Asian-Inspired: Substitute soy sauce and sesame oil for butter and olive oil, add ginger and green onions.
• Cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over cooked shrimp for added richness.

Freezing and Storage

• Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Skewered but uncooked shrimp can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen.
• Cooked Shrimp: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: Store separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Grill, broiler, or skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs for turning shrimp

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

Q2: How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill grates with oil and preheat thoroughly.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Marinate shrimp in advance and assemble skewers up to 2 hours before cooking.

Q4: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 6–8 minutes until cooked through.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill or pan.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers with Lemon are a simple, elegant, and flavor-packed dish perfect for any occasion. With juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and rich garlic butter, they are sure to impress family and guests alike. Quick to prepare and versatile in serving options, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers seeking a delicious, fuss-free meal.