Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers (soaked in water if using wooden ones) - Additional spices (e.g., cayenne for heat) - Fresh herbs for garnish - Vegetables for skewering (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini) The main ingredients make this dish shine. You need large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best flavor. Garlic adds depth, while melted butter creates a rich base. Fresh parsley brings a bright touch. Lemon juice adds zing, and paprika gives color and warmth. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning! If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water. This prevents burning during grilling. Optional ingredients can enhance your skewers. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper. You can also use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for garnish. Grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini make perfect partners for the shrimp. Feel free to get creative! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Create the garlic butter marinade In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until mixed. This marinade gives the shrimp a big flavor boost. 2. Marinate the shrimp for flavor enhancement Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them until they are fully coated. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the shrimp to soak up all the tasty flavors from the marinade. 1. Preheat the grill or grill pan Set your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures that the shrimp cook quickly and evenly. 2. Thread shrimp onto skewers Take the marinated shrimp and thread them onto skewers. Aim for about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Leave a little space between each shrimp to help them cook well. 3. Grill the shrimp to perfection Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Once done, drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the bowl over the skewers for extra flavor. The best time to marinate shrimp is 15-20 minutes. This gives the shrimp time to soak up the flavors. If you marinate too long, the shrimp can turn mushy. Choose large shrimp for this recipe. They hold up well on the grill and taste great. Look for shrimp that are firm and smell fresh. Peel and devein them for a clean taste. To prevent shrimp from overcooking, watch the clock. Grill them for just 2-3 minutes on each side. They turn pink and opaque when done. Remove them from heat right away. For even cooking, leave space between shrimp on the skewers. This way, the heat circulates and cooks them well. Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling. This keeps them from burning. Pro Tips Buy Fresh Shrimp: Always choose fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Look for shrimp that are firm, translucent, and have a mild sea scent. Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly; remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture. Use Soaked Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Add Zest: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the marinade along with the lemon juice. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your garlic butter shrimp skewers in fun ways. For a kick, try spicy garlic butter shrimp. Just add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your marinade. This little spice will give your dish a nice heat. You can adjust the heat level based on your taste. Another great option is citrus-infused garlic butter. Add some fresh orange or lime juice to the marinade. The citrus will brighten the flavors. It pairs well with the shrimp and garlic. You can also add some zest from the fruit for extra flavor. Both variations keep the dish fresh and exciting. To make your meal even better, pair the skewers with grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are great choices. Grill them alongside your shrimp for a colorful plate. The smoky flavor of the veggies mixes well with the shrimp. You might also want to serve your skewers with a light salad. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. It adds a crisp contrast to the rich garlic butter. Rice or quinoa can also be great side dishes. Both options soak up the flavors and make your meal more filling. Enjoy your tasty shrimp skewers in any of these ways! To store leftover shrimp skewers, let them cool down first. Place the skewers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to keep the shrimp moist, drizzle a little olive oil over them before sealing. This helps prevent drying out. For freezing cooked shrimp skewers, remove the shrimp from the skewers. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once they are thawed, peel and devein them if needed. This way, you can still enjoy the garlic butter flavor! You know shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl slightly into a C shape. If they remain gray or translucent, they need more time. Avoid overcooking, as they can become tough and chewy. Yes, these skewers are great for meal prep. You can make them ahead and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet when ready to eat. They stay tasty and flavorful! If you want a butter substitute, try using olive oil or coconut oil. Both options give a rich flavor and keep the shrimp moist. You can also use vegan butter for a dairy-free option. This blog post shared how to make tasty garlic butter shrimp skewers. We covered the main ingredients, preparation and cooking steps, and tips to enhance your dish. Remember, marinate your shrimp for great flavor. Use fresh herbs or spices to mix things up. Now you can grill shrimp like a pro. Enjoy your meal with friends or family!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Delicious shrimp marinated in garlic butter and grilled to perfection.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
skewers (soaked in water if using wooden ones)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create the garlic butter marinade.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15-20 minutes for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, approximately 4-5 shrimp per skewer, making sure to leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook them.
Once cooked, remove from the grill and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the bowl over the skewers for extra flavor.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a large platter garnished with lemon wedges and extra parsley for a fresh touch. A side of grilled vegetables or a light salad complements the dish beautifully.

Keyword garlic butter, grill, shrimp, skewers