Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp is a quick, flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, backyard cookouts, or summer gatherings. Juicy shrimp are coated in a rich garlic butter marinade with warm spices, grilled until lightly charred, and finished with extra buttery goodness for an irresistible meal everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Rich garlic butter flavor with a hint of smoky spice.
- Perfect for family dinners or outdoor grilling.
- Simple ingredients with restaurant-quality results.
- Pairs beautifully with rice, salads, vegetables, or grilled bread.
- Great for both beginner and experienced home cooks.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined (30–35 shrimp)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced
- Extra parsley for garnish
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, and parsley until well combined.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the garlic butter mixture for brushing after grilling.
- Add the shrimp to the remaining garlic butter mixture and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Thread the shrimp evenly onto six skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes without moving them.
- Flip the shrimp and grill for another 3–4 minutes until pink, opaque, and lightly charred. This Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking.
- Transfer the skewers to a serving platter.
- Brush with the reserved garlic butter.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Tips & Tricks
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Pat the shrimp dry before marinating for better caramelization.
- Use fresh garlic for the richest flavor.
- Large or jumbo shrimp stay juicier on the grill.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving for extra brightness.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the shrimp for a delicious variation.
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Low Carb, High Protein
Notes
- Unsalted butter may be substituted; simply adjust the salt to taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for additional heat.
- Fresh parsley provides the best flavor, but dried parsley can be used if needed.
- This recipe also works well using an outdoor barbecue grill or indoor grill pan.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 470mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp should turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes. Broil them for about 2–3 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Can I make Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp ahead of time?
Prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance, but grill the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
What should I serve with grilled shrimp skewers?
Rice, grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, fresh salads, or crusty bread all pair wonderfully.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little melted butter, or warm briefly in the microwave without overcooking.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large tail-on shrimp peeled and deveined (30–35 shrimp)
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley minced
- Extra parsley for garnish
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, and parsley until well combined.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the garlic butter mixture for brushing after grilling.
- Add the shrimp to the remaining garlic butter mixture and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Thread the shrimp evenly onto six skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes without moving them.
- Flip the shrimp and grill for another 3–4 minutes until pink, opaque, and lightly charred. This Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking.
- Transfer the skewers to a serving platter.
- Brush with the reserved garlic butter.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Unsalted butter may be substituted; simply adjust the salt to taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for additional heat.
- Fresh parsley provides the best flavor, but dried parsley can be used if needed.
- This recipe also works well using an outdoor barbecue grill or indoor grill pan.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp recipe delivers tender, juicy shrimp coated in a rich buttery garlic sauce with just the right touch of smoky spice. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, an easy weeknight dinner, or a special family meal, this simple recipe is guaranteed to impress while coming together in less than 30 minutes.