Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Butter are a perfect blend of simplicity, freshness, and rich flavor. This recipe captures the essence of summer grilling with succulent shrimp brushed in a silky lemon butter sauce and kissed by the smoky char of the grill.

Each bite offers a burst of citrusy brightness paired with the natural sweetness of the shrimp. It’s a dish that looks elegant enough for entertaining but is incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Shrimp cook quickly, making this dish perfect when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The lemon butter sauce not only adds richness but also balances the shrimp’s brininess with a refreshing tang. The grill adds a smoky undertone that takes the flavor to another level.

What makes it even more special is its versatility — you can serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as part of a seafood platter. I also love how customizable it is; whether you prefer it spicy, herby, or garlicky, you can easily adjust it to suit your taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe for seafood lovers because it’s the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. The combination of grilled shrimp and buttery lemon sauce is timeless and satisfying. It’s a foolproof way to impress guests or elevate your everyday meal. Plus, it’s light, high in protein, and full of fresh ingredients that taste as good as they look.

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will make you feel like a gourmet chef. The shrimp’s tender texture and the bright lemony flavor create a dining experience that’s truly unforgettable.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings and Calories

Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 280 calories per serving

Course and Cuisine

Course: Main Course / Appetizer
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean Inspired

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Marinade:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:
Lemon wedges for serving
Extra parsley for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
3. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving a little space between each one.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
5. Grill the shrimp skewers for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside.
6. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Brush the grilled shrimp skewers generously with lemon butter sauce and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl.
Step 2: Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to marinate.
Step 3: Soak wooden skewers in water if you’re using them. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
Step 4: Thread shrimp onto skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Step 5: Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
Step 6: Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and slightly charred. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Step 7: While the shrimp are grilling, make the lemon butter sauce. Melt butter in a small pan, add garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and parsley.
Step 8: Once the shrimp are done, brush them with the lemon butter sauce or drizzle it generously over the skewers.
Step 9: Serve hot with extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

How to Serve

Serve these grilled shrimp skewers warm, brushed with extra lemon butter. They’re perfect as a main dish with rice pilaf, couscous, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For appetizers, serve them on smaller skewers with a dipping bowl of lemon butter sauce. You can also pair them with garlic bread or pasta tossed in olive oil for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and grilling results.
Don’t overcook the shrimp — once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
Marinate for at least 15–20 minutes for better flavor.
For extra smoky flavor, grill with the shell on and peel after cooking.
If grilling indoors, use a grill pan for beautiful sear marks.

Variations

Spicy Shrimp Skewers: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the marinade.
Garlic Herb Version: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
Honey Lemon Butter: Stir 1 teaspoon honey into the lemon butter for a touch of sweetness.
Coconut Shrimp Skewers: Add a splash of coconut milk to the marinade for a tropical twist.
Oven-Broiled Version: Broil the shrimp skewers on a baking sheet for 4–5 minutes, turning halfway through.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration: Store cooked shrimp skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze marinated raw shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
Avoid freezing cooked shrimp as they can become rubbery when reheated.

Special Equipment Needed

Grill or grill pan
Metal or wooden skewers
Mixing bowls
Small saucepan (for lemon butter sauce)
Tongs or spatula

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.

Q2. Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely. You can cook the shrimp on a grill pan, stovetop skillet, or even broil them in the oven.

Q3. How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a C-shape.

Q4. Can I prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes. You can make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Q5. What other seafood can I use in this recipe?
Scallops, lobster chunks, or chunks of firm white fish like halibut also work well.

Conclusion

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Butter are the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. The smoky grilled shrimp paired with the rich lemon butter sauce creates a flavor experience that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether served as a light appetizer or a main course, this dish captures the vibrant essence of summer dining. Easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions, this recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again for its balance of flavor, texture, and freshness.