Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers in 20 Minutes Flat

There’s something magical about garlic butter shrimp skewers—they’re the kind of dish that turns a regular Tuesday into a mini celebration. I remember my first bite at a beach cookout years ago, the smell of garlic and butter mingling with salty ocean air. That’s when I knew I had to master this recipe. After countless grill sessions (and a few overcooked shrimp sacrifices), I’ve nailed down the perfect balance of juicy shrimp and that irresistible garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re firing up the grill for guests or just craving a quick, flavorful dinner, these skewers deliver every time. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

These garlic butter shrimp skewers are one of those rare recipes that checks every box—flavor, speed, and simplicity all wrapped up in one delicious package. Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to:

• Lightning fast—ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for those nights when you’re starving and impatient (we’ve all been there)
• Minimal ingredients—just 7 pantry staples transform into something extraordinary
• Flavor bombs—garlicky, buttery, with a hint of lemon that makes every bite irresistible
• Works anywhere—great on the grill for summer BBQs or under the broiler when it’s freezing outside

I make these at least twice a month—they’re that good.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Gather these simple ingredients—you probably have most in your kitchen already! The key is using fresh shrimp and real butter (trust me, margarine just won’t give you that same rich flavor). Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp – look for 26/30 count per pound, peeled and deveined (tails on if you like the presentation)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter – melted (I microwave it in 15-second bursts to avoid splattering)
• 4 cloves garlic – minced finely (or more if you’re a garlic fiend like me)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – fresh squeezed makes all the difference
• 1 tsp paprika – smoked or sweet, both work beautifully
• 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher for better distribution
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if possible
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (save a pinch for garnish)

That’s it! No fancy ingredients—just big, bold flavors waiting to happen.

Print

Equipment You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for these garlic butter shrimp skewers—just a few basics. Grab your wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning), a grill or broiler pan, a small mixing bowl for that glorious garlic butter sauce, and a basting brush to slather it all on. That’s it—you’re ready to rock!

Seafood fans won’t want to miss my bold and flavorful Cajun Shrimp Cauliflower Grits—a spicy, creamy combo that takes comfort food to the next level.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Now for the fun part—transforming those simple ingredients into golden, garlicky perfection! Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have restaurant-quality shrimp skewers faster than you can say “seconds please.”

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp and Skewers

First things first—if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent fiery disasters (learned that the hard way!). While they soak, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels—this helps the garlic butter cling better. Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer, piercing through both the head and tail ends so they lay flat. This prevents that awkward shrimp-spinning situation we all want to avoid!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and spices until it’s beautifully smooth. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon—if it seems too thick, microwave for 5 more seconds. Pro tip: reserve 2 tablespoons of the sauce for dipping later (you’ll thank me when you’re mopping up every last drop!).

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Fire up your grill or broiler to medium-high heat—you want those flames hot enough to sizzle but not scorch. Grill the skewers 2-3 minutes per side, basting with more garlic butter halfway through. Watch closely—your shrimp are done when they turn pink and firm with a slight curl, not when they resemble pink erasers (overcooked shrimp are sad shrimp). Remove them the second they’re opaque all the way through!

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

After making these garlic butter shrimp skewers more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take them from good to knock-your-socks-off amazing:

• Dry those shrimp! Pat them thoroughly with paper towels before skewering—it helps the garlic butter cling like a delicious edible sweater instead of sliding right off.
• Save some sauce—before basting, set aside a couple tablespoons of that golden garlic butter for dipping. Dunking hot shrimp in extra sauce is pure joy.
• Let them rest—resist eating them immediately! Give the skewers 2 minutes to reabsorb juices, making every bite juicier.

These small steps make a huge difference—try them and taste the magic!

Serving Suggestions

These garlic butter shrimp skewers shine as the star of any meal, but pairing them with the right sides turns dinner into a feast! I love them with lemon rice—the bright citrus plays off the rich butter perfectly. For summer nights, grilled asparagus or zucchini make ideal veggie partners. And you have to include crusty bread—it’s mandatory for swiping up every last drop of that garlicky sauce. For drinks? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or chilled rosé cuts through the richness beautifully. Simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? (Though I doubt you’ll have any!) Store your garlic butter shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, toss them in a skillet with a splash of water—just enough to steam and bring back that juicy tenderness without drying them out. Works like a charm!

And for even more shrimp dishes, quick seafood dinners, and sizzling weeknight recipes, dive into my curated boards on Pinterest where I share mouthwatering ideas daily.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask about these garlic butter shrimp skewers:

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note—these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands, but here’s the general breakdown per skewer: about 180 calories, 10g fat (that’s the good butter doing its thing!), and a whopping 20g protein to keep you satisfied. Not bad for something this delicious, right?