There’s nothing like the smell of garlic butter sizzling on shrimp over a hot grill—it’s summer on a stick! My Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers became our family’s go-to dish after I accidentally charred the first batch at a backyard party (oops!). Turns out, even slightly crispy edges couldn’t hide how insanely good that garlicky, buttery sauce was. What I love most? You’re just 20 minutes away from juicy, flavorful shrimp with minimal prep. The magic’s in that simple marinade—melted butter hugging fresh garlic, a squeeze of lemon, and a kiss of paprika. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a grill master without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Listen, I know shrimp skewers aren’t exactly groundbreaking—but these? These are different. Here’s why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation (and probably will in yours too):

Faster than takeout: From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes—even quicker if you cheat and use pre-peeled shrimp (I won’t tell).
That garlic butter sauce: So good you’ll want to drink it. The lemon cuts through the richness just right.
Works anywhere: Grill ‘em for smoky flavor or use a screaming hot pan when it’s raining. No grill? No problem.
Dinner or party food: Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for tired Tuesday nights. Bonus: Kids go nuts for food on sticks.

Trust me, once you taste shrimp cooked this way, you’ll never go back to boring boiled seafood. For more quick and delicious ideas, check out our news feed.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these addictive skewers—measurements matter, especially for that perfect garlic butter balance!

1 lb (450g) large shrimp – Look for 21/25 count size (that’s 21-25 shrimp per pound), peeled and deveined with tails on or off—your call!
3 tbsp unsalted butter – Melted until just liquid (microwave bursts work great)
4 garlic cloves – Minced fine so no one bites into a harsh chunk
1 tbsp lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, none of that bottled stuff
1 tsp paprika – Sweet or smoked, both work magic
1/2 tsp salt – Kosher or sea salt blends best
1/4 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy
1 tbsp fresh parsley – Chopped rough for that final pop of color
Skewers – 6-8 wooden (soaked!) or metal ones, about 10 inches long

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Butter alternatives: Ghee works beautifully if you’re out of butter—just skip the salt since it’s saltier. Olive oil’s okay in a pinch, but you’ll miss that rich depth.

Shrimp warning: Please, please avoid pre-cooked shrimp—they turn rubbery fast on the grill! Frozen raw shrimp? Thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Skewer secret: Metal skewers are foolproof, but if you’re using wood, soak them at least 30 minutes unless you enjoy flaming shrimp sticks (been there).

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Okay, let’s get these beauties cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have garlic butter shrimp skewers that’ll make you feel like a seaside grill master—even if you’re just using a pan in your apartment kitchen.

Step 1: Prep the Skewers & Shrimp

First things first—if you’re using wooden skewers, toss them in a baking dish with water to soak while you prep everything else (30 minutes minimum, or they’ll turn into tiny torches). Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer, piercing through the top and tail so they stay put. Pro tip: Leave a little space between each shrimp so heat circulates evenly.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together that glorious melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until it’s completely smooth. Taste it—go on! Adjust with a pinch more salt if needed. This sauce is where the magic happens, so don’t skimp!

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375°F if you’re checking). Brush the shrimp generously with that garlic butter sauce—get it in every nook! Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks. Watch closely—overcooked shrimp are sad shrimp. They’ll curl into tight “C” shapes when perfectly done. Drizzle with remaining sauce and parsley right before serving.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

After burning my fair share of shrimp (and one memorable skewer fire), here’s what I’ve learned to guarantee garlic butter perfection every time:

Dry those shrimp! Pat them thoroughly with paper towels before skewering—wet shrimp steam instead of sear.
Baste like you mean it: Brush extra garlic butter halfway through grilling for maximum flavor. Keep that sauce warm in a heatproof cup near the grill.
Give them space: Overcrowded skewers cook unevenly. I stick to 4-5 shrimp max per 10-inch skewer with gaps between.
Keep ‘em cozy: Tent cooked skewers loosely with foil for 2 minutes—just enough to keep warm without overcooking.
Grill grates matter: Oil them lightly before heating to prevent sticking (a folded paper towel dipped in oil works great).

Follow these, and you’ll avoid my early “charred shrimp on flaming stick” phase—trust me!

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

These skewers play nice with almost anything! My go-to move? Pile them alongside rice pilaf to soak up that garlic butter goodness. For summer nights, throw some grilled asparagus on the side—they’ll pick up those same smoky flavors. Got crusty bread? Perfect for swiping up every last drop of sauce (I always make extra for this exact reason). And if you’re feeling fancy, toss together a simple spinach salad to balance the richness. Honestly though? Sometimes I just stand by the grill and eat them straight off the skewers—no judgment!

Storing & Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp

Let’s be real—these garlic butter shrimp skewers are best devoured immediately while they’re still sizzling. But if you must save some (I get it—self-control is hard!), stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warning: Reheating can turn those perfect shrimp rubbery fast. Your best bet? Gently warm them in a skillet with a splash of water or lemon juice, just until heated through. Or—my secret move—chop ‘em up cold and toss into a next-day salad for a killer protein boost!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers—here’s everything I’ve learned from my shrimp-skewer triumphs (and occasional disasters):

Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge first—never toss frozen shrimp straight on the grill unless you want icy, unevenly cooked skewers. Pro tip: Pat them extra dry after thawing.

How do I stop shrimp from sticking? Two words: hot and oily. Preheat your grill well, then brush the grates with oil using tongs and a folded paper towel right before adding skewers.

Butter alternatives? Olive oil works in a pinch, but ghee’s my favorite swap—it won’t burn as easily and adds nutty depth. Just reduce added salt since ghee’s saltier.

Metal vs. wooden skewers? Metal wins for durability, but wood gives that rustic charm. If using wood, soak for 30+ minutes—I set a timer because distracted me once created literal fire sticks.

How do I know when they’re done? Look for opaque pink flesh and a loose “C” shape—tight “O” means overdone. And for heaven’s sake, don’t walk away! Two minutes is all it takes to go from perfect to rubbery.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re diving into (nutritionally speaking!), here’s the scoop per serving of these garlic butter shrimp skewers. Remember—these are estimates and can vary based on your exact ingredients. Each skewer (about 4-5 shrimp) packs roughly:

180 calories – Not bad for something this delicious!
10g fat – Thank that glorious butter (worth every gram)
20g protein – Shrimp are little protein powerhouses
350mg sodium – Easy to reduce if you’re watching salt—just go light on the extra sprinkle

Now forget the numbers and enjoy every garlicky bite—life’s too short to count calories when butter’s involved! For more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest.

Irresistible 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Author: Emma Fleming
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers are juicy, flavorful shrimp marinated in a rich garlic butter sauce and grilled to perfection. A quick and easy dish perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Thread shrimp onto skewers, placing 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
Brush shrimp generously with the garlic butter marinade.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Adjust grill time if shrimp are smaller or larger.
Serve with rice, salad, or crusty bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 4-5 shrimp)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0.5g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, grilled shrimp, seafood skewers, easy shrimp recipe