A little weekend prep means a stunning dinner is just minutes away on a busy Wednesday. I marinate the shrimp and assemble these garlic butter shrimp skewers ahead, so all they need is a quick turn on the grill or grill pan. That moment of planning is my secret weapon for turning a hectic weeknight into something that feels special, like a quiet celebration just for us.
I think we all need recipes like that. Ones that look and taste like you spent hours, but really, you just had a moment of foresight. These garlic butter shrimp skewers are exactly that kind of magic. They are the ultimate make ahead party star, equally at home on a Tuesday dinner plate as they are on a festive platter surrounded by other appetizer recipes for party gatherings. The concept is beautifully simple: plump shrimp, bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter, threaded onto skewers, and cooked just until they turn pink and juicy. The flavor is anything but simple. It is deep, savory, and infused with herbs, promising comfort in every bite.
Whether you are looking for impressive appetizer recipes Christmas guests will rave about, or easy finger foods for a casual get together, this recipe delivers. It is about regular kitchen tools, regular time, and truly great results. Food that feels like home, but tastes like a treat.
Table of Contents
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
These skewers are the ultimate make-ahead meal or party appetizer. Plump shrimp are marinated in a savory, herbed mixture, threaded onto skewers, and grilled to perfection with a rich garlic butter baste. They deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 8min
- Total Time: 25min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp (21/25 count), peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, 4 cloves minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to 1 hour.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a little space between them.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
- Heat a grill, grill pan, or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface. Cook skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing generously with the garlic butter when you flip them. Shrimp are done when opaque and lightly charred.
- Transfer skewers to a platter. Drizzle with any remaining garlic butter and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
For best results, pat shrimp dry before marinating to ensure a good sear. Do not marinate for more than 24 hours as the acid can break down the shrimp. Shrimp cook very quickly; remove them as soon as they turn opaque to avoid toughness. Skewers can be assembled up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 1200
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 300
Ingredients List
Garlic butter shrimp skewers start with a short list of honest ingredients, each one working hard to build layers of flavor. You likely have most of this in your pantry right now.
For the Shrimp & Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp (21/25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Baste:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Smart Swaps & Notes:
- Shrimp: Frozen, raw shrimp are a fantastic budget friendly option. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water before using.
- Dairy Free: For the garlic butter baste, use a high quality plant based butter or olive oil.
- Spice Level: Omit the red pepper flakes for a completely mild dish, or add a pinch more if you love heat.
- Fresh Herbs: If you do not have fresh parsley, a teaspoon of dried will work in the butter, but fresh really brightens the finished dish.
Timing
One of the best things about this recipe is how the time investment is mostly hands off. A bit of prep upfront leads to a lightning fast cook.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
- Cook Time: 6 8 minutes
- Total Time: About 25 minutes
The real time saver? You can marinate the shrimp and thread them onto skewers up to a day in advance. When you are ready, cooking these garlic butter shrimp skewers takes less than 10 minutes, making them faster than ordering takeout.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prep and Marinate the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp very dry with paper towels. This is a small step with a big payoff; it helps the marinade cling and promotes a better sear. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the dried shrimp and toss gently until every piece is coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor. For a make ahead meal, you can stop here and refrigerate the marinated shrimp for up to 24 hours.
2. Assemble the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, placing 4 5 shrimp per skewer. Leave a little space between each shrimp so heat can circulate evenly. Place the assembled garlic butter shrimp skewers on a plate or baking sheet.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Baste
While your grill or grill pan heats up, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. This fragrant butter is your magic sauce.
4. Cook to Perfection
Heat your grill, grill pan, or a large skillet over medium high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan. Place the skewers in a single layer. Cook for 2 3 minutes per side, brushing generously with the garlic butter baste when you flip them. The shrimp are done when they are opaque and have formed a nice, light char. They cook quickly, so stay close.
5. Serve Immediately
Transfer the cooked garlic butter shrimp skewers to a platter. Drizzle with any remaining garlic butter from the pan and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing. The contrast of the bright lemon against the rich, savory butter is everything.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
- Key Nutrients: Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein and selenium, while garlic offers beneficial compounds like allicin. Using olive oil and butter provides healthy fats for satiety and flavor absorption.
Equipment Needed
You do not need any fancy gear to make these garlic butter shrimp skewers shine. A regular kitchen has everything required.
- Mixing Bowl: For marinating the shrimp.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: Soak wooden ones to prevent flames.
- Grill, Grill Pan, or Large Skewer: Any of these work perfectly.
- Small Saucepan: For melting the garlic butter baste.
- Basting Brush: To coat the shrimp in that glorious butter.
- Tongs: For easy flipping.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my rotation for so many reasons.
- The Ultimate Make Ahead Star: Assemble the skewers a full day ahead. Come dinner or party time, just cook and serve. It takes the stress out of hosting.
- Maximum Flavor, Minimal Effort: The marinade does the heavy lifting. You get complex, restaurant worthy taste from a simple mix of pantry staples.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve them as a main course over rice or zucchini noodles, or as stunning appetizer recipes easy finger foods for a crowd. They fit any occasion.
- Fast and Foolproof: Shrimp cook in minutes, so there is no risk of overcooking if you follow the simple visual cues. Perfect for busy nights.
- Always a Crowd Pleaser: The combination of garlic, butter, and seafood is universally loved. These skewers disappear fast from any platter.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
You can easily adapt these garlic butter shrimp skewers to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
- Dairy Free/Lighter: Swap the butter in the baste for extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. The flavor will be different but still deliciously rich.
- Lower Sodium: Use reduced sodium soy sauce (if adding a splash for umami) and limit added salt, relying on the garlic, herbs, and lemon for flavor.
- Added Veggies: Thread chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or red onion between the shrimp on the skewers for a complete, veggie packed meal.
- Sugar Free: The recipe is naturally sugar free, making it a great choice for low carb or whole30 eating when served with appropriate sides.
Serving Suggestions
These skewers are the centerpiece, but what you serve them with can take the meal from great to unforgettable.
- For a Complete Dinner: Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or alongside buttery noodles to soak up every drop of garlic butter. A simple green salad or roasted asparagus completes the plate. For more easy dinner inspiration, check out my collection of Easy Asian Dinner Ideas.
- As an Appetizer: Arrange the cooked garlic butter shrimp skewers on a large platter with lemon wedges and a bowl of extra garlic butter or remoulade for dipping. They pair beautifully with other make ahead bites like meatball appetizer recipes.
- Festive Spread: For holiday gatherings like Christmas, pair them with other elegant yet simple appetizer recipes Christmas ready, like a cheese board, stuffed mushrooms, or a seasonal crostini.
- One Pan Meal Love: If you love the simplicity of cooking everything together, you will adore my One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice for another night. It has the same satisfying, all in one appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple tips will guarantee your garlic butter shrimp skewers turn out perfectly every time.
- Not Drying the Shrimp: Skipping the pat dry step means the marinade will slide off and the shrimp will steam instead of sear. Take that extra minute for a better texture.
- Over Marinating: Shrimp are delicate. Marinating for longer than a few hours, especially in acidic lemon juice, can start to break them down and make them mushy. 1 hour is ideal, 24 hours is the max.
- Crowding the Pan or Grill: Give your skewers space. If they are too close together, they will steam and not develop those beautiful, flavorful grill marks.
- Overcooking: Shrimp cook incredibly fast. The moment they curl into a C shape and turn opaque, they are done. Continuing to cook will make them tough and rubbery. Trust the process.
- Burning the Garlic: When making the butter baste, keep the heat low. Garlic burns in seconds and becomes bitter. Cook it just until it sizzles and smells amazing, then immediately take it off the heat.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
These garlic butter shrimp skewers are best enjoyed fresh, but with a little know how, you can plan ahead and save leftovers.
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the shrimp and thread them onto skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium low heat until just warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can easily overcook the shrimp. You can also enjoy them cold on a salad.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing the cooked skewers, as the texture of the shrimp can become watery. However, you can freeze the raw, marinated shrimp (without skewers) in their marinade in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before threading and cooking.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, that is what these garlic butter shrimp skewers are all about. Simple ingredients, warm memories. They prove that a truly special meal does not require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. It just requires a little love, a lot of garlic butter, and the understanding that good food is meant to be shared.
This recipe is your new secret weapon for effortless entertaining and stress free weeknights. It is comfort food, made easy. I hope these skewers bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine.
If you give this recipe a try, I would love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite way to serve them. And if you are looking for more recipes that celebrate the magic of garlic butter, you must try my Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies for a hearty dinner, or the luxurious Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon. For another seafood favorite with a creamy twist, my Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce is always a hit.
Happy cooking, friends.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
How do you keep shrimp from curling on skewers?
To prevent shrimp from curling excessively on skewers, avoid overcooking them. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Also, ensure the shrimp are straight on the skewer before grilling or baking.
What goes well with grilled shrimp skewers?
Grilled shrimp skewers pair well with a variety of sides, including rice, couscous, grilled vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions), salads, and crusty bread for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
How long does it take to grill shrimp skewers?
Shrimp skewers typically take 2-3 minutes per side on a medium-high heat grill. Watch closely, as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked.
Can you marinate shrimp too long?
Yes, you can marinate shrimp for too long. Over-marinating, especially in acidic marinades (like those with lemon juice or vinegar), can cause the shrimp to become mushy. It’s best to marinate shrimp for no more than 30 minutes.
What temperature should shrimp be cooked to?
Shrimp should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
How do you thaw shrimp quickly?
The quickest and safest way to thaw shrimp is to place them in a colander under cold running water. This usually takes about 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. Make sure the shrimp are in a sealed bag to prevent them from becoming waterlogged.
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