Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp Skewers

$To make Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp Skewers, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Wooden or metal skewers These ingredients are key to creating a tasty dish. The shrimp are the star, so use large, fresh ones for the best flavor. The garlic and herbs add a fresh kick, while the melted butter gives richness. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, balancing out the flavors perfectly. Make sure to have your skewers ready! If you use wooden ones, soak them in water for about 15 minutes. This step helps prevent burning while cooking. Once you have everything, you will be ready to create a flavorful delight. Enjoy the process as you prepare this charming dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making the garlic herb butter. In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend all the flavors together. This step is key for a rich taste. Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to this flavorful mix. Toss the shrimp until they are well coated. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak into the shrimp. Once the shrimp has marinated, it's time to skewer them. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes. This step stops them from burning on the grill. Take each shrimp and thread it onto the skewer. Leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. You can fit about five to six shrimp on each skewer, depending on their size. Make sure they are snug but not too tight. This helps them cook evenly. Now, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. This is important for getting that nice char on the shrimp. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. After grilling, remove the skewers and brush them with any leftover garlic herb butter for extra flavor. Enjoy your tasty Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp Skewers! When making garlic herb butter shrimp skewers, you want fresh shrimp. Look for large shrimp, about 16-20 per pound. These are perfect for grilling. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. If you choose frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly. Place them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them safe and tasty. Balancing flavors in your garlic herb butter is key. You want a rich taste from the butter and a fresh kick from the herbs. Use fresh parsley and thyme for the best flavor. If you want to switch things up, try olive oil instead of butter. It gives a lighter taste but still works well with garlic and herbs. To avoid overcooked shrimp, watch the grill closely. Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. They turn pink and opaque when done. To achieve the perfect char, don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave space between each shrimp. This way, heat circulates well, and you get those nice grill marks. Enjoy your cooking! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and herbs enhance the flavor significantly. Always opt for the freshest ingredients you can find for the best results. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; aim for 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the garlic herb butter for a unique twist. Options like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes work well. Perfect Skewering: When skewering shrimp, leave a little space between each to ensure even cooking and easy flipping on the grill. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins like chicken or fish. Chicken thighs work well and add a rich taste. Fish like salmon or swordfish also pair nicely with garlic herb butter. Cooking times for other proteins: - Chicken: Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until it reaches 165°F. - Salmon: Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until it flakes easily. - Swordfish: Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until it is opaque. Want to spice things up? Adding chili flakes gives your skewers a nice kick. Just sprinkle in some flakes when you mix the garlic herb butter. Alternative herbs to use: - Basil: Adds a sweet and fragrant note. - Oregano: Brings a warm, earthy flavor. - Cilantro: Offers a fresh and zesty twist. You can bake the shrimp skewers for a simple method. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Stovetop and oven methods: - Stovetop: Use a grill pan over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. - Oven: Broil the skewers for 5-7 minutes for a nice char. To store leftovers, first let the skewers cool down. Place the skewers in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. For freezing, wrap the cooked skewers in aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the shrimp tender. To reheat the skewers, avoid the microwave if you can. Instead, use an oven or grill. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warm. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and flavorful. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. First, thaw them safely. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Change the water if it becomes warm. You can also thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. Avoid leaving shrimp at room temperature to thaw, as it can lead to bacteria growth. Look for a few signs. First, the shrimp should turn pink. Second, they should look opaque. Lastly, they should curl into a C shape. If the shrimp are still gray or limp, they need more cooking time. Cooking shrimp takes about 2-3 minutes per side on a hot grill. Do not overcook, or they will become tough. Yes, you can prepare these skewers in advance. Marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours. Keep them in the fridge until you're ready to grill. If you want to prep even earlier, you can thread the shrimp onto the skewers and store them. Just remember to keep the skewers covered in the fridge. This helps the flavors meld for a tastier dish. You now have a simple guide to make tasty garlic herb shrimp skewers. We covered ingredients, grilling tips, and storage methods. Remember, fresh shrimp and the right balance of flavors make a big difference. Don't be afraid to try new spices or cooking methods. This recipe is flexible and fun. Enjoy your cooking journey, and share these tasty skewers with friends or family. Happy grilling!$

Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp Skewers

Delicious shrimp skewers marinated in garlic herb butter, perfect for grilling.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper
Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the garlic herb butter.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the butter mixture, tossing to ensure each shrimp is well coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each shrimp.
Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Remove the skewers from the grill and brush with any remaining garlic herb butter for extra flavor.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.

Keyword butter, garlic, grill, shrimp, skewers