Succulent garlic-butter shrimp on the grill
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
6 min
Total Time
21 min
Servings
4
8 skewers
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Succulent garlic-butter shrimp on the grill
★4.7(17)
Jumbo shrimp threaded on skewers and grilled with garlic butter until pink and slightly charred. Ready in 10 minutes for a quick, impressive meal.
15m
Prep Time
6m
Cook Time
21m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Shrimp cook incredibly fast on the grill, making them perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer. Threading them on skewers makes flipping easy and prevents them from falling through the grates.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer.
- 2
Whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Brush generously over shrimp.
- 3
Preheat grill to high heat. Oil the grates lightly.
- 4
Grill skewers 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
- 5
Transfer to a platter, brush with remaining garlic butter, and serve with lemon wedges and parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
Jumbo shrimpSea scallops
Similar cook time and pairs well with garlic butter
ButterOlive oil
Dairy-free option that still carries the garlic flavor
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use two parallel skewers per portion to prevent shrimp from spinning when you flip.
Do not overcook—shrimp go from perfect to rubbery in seconds.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat briefly in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes—do not microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (220mg) · 4 servings
Calories220
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat2g
Fiber420mg
Sugar0g
Sodium0g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I leave the tail on?
- Tails make a nice handle for eating and add visual appeal, but remove for easier eating.
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, thaw completely in cold water for 15 minutes and pat very dry.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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