Description
A foolproof, 5-ingredient recipe for smoky, buttery grilled shrimp skewers that are ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for summer cookouts and beginner cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds (680g) Jumbo or Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup (113g) Salted Butter
- 4–5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 large Lemon, zested and juiced
- 8–10 Wooden Skewers
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly cracked
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thaw frozen shrimp completely in cold water if necessary, then pat them very dry with paper towels.
- Thread 3 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a little space between them for heat circulation.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and immediately stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and black pepper. Let sit for a minute to infuse.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (approx. 400°F/200°C). Clean grates and wipe with an oil-dipped paper towel to prevent sticking.
- Place skewers on the grill. Do not move for the first 2 minutes to allow a sear.
- Brush the tops generously with the smoky garlic butter. Flip skewers and brush the other side with butter.
- Close the lid and grill for another 2-3 minutes until shrimp are opaque, pink, and firm but with a little give.
- Remove from grill and give one final brush with remaining garlic butter.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Keep shrimp cold until skewering to maintain firmness. Do not overcrowd the grill to avoid steaming. Minced garlic burns easily, so add it to the butter off the heat. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and dried. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours and reheated gently in a skillet; do not microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers per servin
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 24
Keywords: grilled shrimp, shrimp skewers, labor day recipes, smoky garlic butter, easy seafood, summer grilling, 5-ingredient recipes