Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

$To make garlic butter shrimp skewers, you'll need these fresh ingredients: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Wooden or metal skewers These ingredients blend perfectly to create a dish that is simple yet full of flavor. The large shrimp soak up the garlic butter, while the lemon juice brightens the dish. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, and the red pepper flakes give it a kick, if you like some heat. Fresh parsley not only garnishes but also adds a touch of color and freshness. Using the right shrimp is key. Larger shrimp hold up well on skewers and cook evenly. Always look for shrimp that are firm and fresh. If you opt for frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Gather all these ingredients and get ready to create a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, soak your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This stops them from burning on the grill. - Next, thread the shrimp onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. - In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. - Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely so the garlic does not burn. - Stir in the fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into the melted butter. Set this aside when done. - Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. - Brush the shrimp skewers with the garlic butter mixture. Ensure they are well-coated. - Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when ready. - Baste them with more garlic butter halfway through cooking for extra taste. - Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter on top. - Garnish the skewers with chopped parsley before you serve them. To make the best garlic butter shrimp skewers, start with the right shrimp size. I recommend using large shrimp. They hold up well on the grill. Plus, they cook evenly. If you use smaller shrimp, they may overcook fast. To avoid overcooked shrimp, aim for pink and opaque colors. Shrimp cook quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t walk away from the grill. Watch them closely to get perfect results. Herbs and spices can boost your shrimp’s flavor. I like to add smoked paprika and dried oregano. These spices add depth to the dish. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs too. Fresh shrimp always tastes better, but frozen shrimp works well. Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking. Good grilling makes all the difference. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step ensures even cooking. Brush the shrimp with garlic butter before grilling. This adds flavor and helps keep them moist. Control heat levels while cooking. If your grill gets too hot, the shrimp may burn. You can move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill if needed. Remember to baste the skewers with garlic butter halfway through cooking for added taste. Pro Tips Soak the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Grill the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, to keep them tender. Enhance Flavor with Marinade: For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before skewering and grilling. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish; consider adding lemon wedges for a refreshing touch. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your garlic butter shrimp skewers in fun ways. Adding fresh citrus, like lime or orange, brightens the dish. You can also use herbs like cilantro or basil for a different twist. If you like heat, add spicy peppers. Jalapeños or serranos work well. Just chop them finely and mix them in your garlic butter sauce. This adds a nice kick and makes your skewers exciting. You do not need a grill to make these skewers. You can cook them on a stovetop grill pan. Just preheat the pan and follow the same steps. If you prefer, you can bake the skewers in the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them juicy and tasty. To make your meal complete, pair the skewers with side dishes. A fresh cucumber salad or a light rice dish goes well. You can also serve them with sauces or dips. A tangy lemon aioli or a spicy salsa adds a fun flavor. Garnish your skewers with parsley and lemon wedges for a pretty plate. To keep your garlic butter shrimp skewers fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in flavors. Make sure they cool down first before packing. This helps prevent moisture build-up. When you reheat, use a skillet over low heat. This keeps the shrimp juicy and tasty. You can add a bit of garlic butter while reheating. This gives them a fresh, rich flavor. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, let the skewers cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container for extra protection. To thaw, just move them to the fridge overnight. You can also soak them in cold water for quicker thawing. Cooked shrimp skewers can last about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to eat them within this time for the best taste. If they smell off or look different, it’s best to toss them. Always trust your senses when checking for freshness. You can tell shrimp is cooked when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side when grilling. If the shrimp curl into a C shape, they are done. Overcooked shrimp can become tough, so watch them closely. Yes, you can use other proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. Each protein will need different cooking times. Chicken should be cooked fully, while fish can be grilled until it flakes easily. Just adjust the seasonings to match your choice. If you want to avoid butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil. These oils work well and add their own flavor. For a dairy-free option, consider using vegan butter or a mixture of garlic and oil. You can prepare the garlic butter sauce and marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to grill. This helps the flavors blend and saves time on cooking day. In this blog post, we covered a simple recipe for garlic butter shrimp skewers. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your skewers. I shared variations to keep things interesting and how to store leftovers safely. Try this delicious dish at your next gathering. With its bright flavors, everyone will enjoy it! Happy grilling!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Delicious shrimp skewers coated in a garlic butter sauce, perfect for grilling.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
as needed wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in lemon juice, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper into the melted butter mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each shrimp.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the shrimp skewers generously with the garlic butter mixture.
Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Baste with more garlic butter halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter mixture.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a vibrant platter, accompanied by lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also pair them with a refreshing cucumber salad or rice for a complete meal.

Keyword garlic butter, grill, shrimp, skewers