If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold, buttery garlic flavor and grilled to perfection, this Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a backyard barbecue, the juicy, tender shrimp slathered in rich garlic butter never fails to delight. This recipe combines smoky char from the grill and the irresistible aroma of garlic-infused butter, delivering a seafood experience that’s both simple and spectacular. Get ready to fall in love with shrimp all over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role. From the creamy richness of unsalted butter to the punch of fresh garlic and the subtle heat of red pepper flakes, everything works in harmony to create deliciously flavorful shrimp.
- Unsalted butter (8 Tbsp./1 stick): Provides a creamy, velvety base that carries the garlic flavor perfectly without overwhelming it.
- Garlic cloves (8-10, finely chopped or pressed): The star of the show, giving this dish that irresistible, fragrant aroma and taste.
- Salt (¾ tsp.): Enhances all the flavors and seasons the shrimp just right.
- Red pepper flakes (½ tsp., optional): Adds a gentle kick, balancing richness with a little heat.
- Large raw shrimp (1 ½ lbs., peeled and deveined): The main ingredient, juicy and tender, ready to soak up that garlicky butter.
- Wooden skewers (6-8): Soaked beforehand to prevent burning; perfect for grilling shrimp evenly.
How to Make Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers and Garlic Butter
Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning when on the hot grill. While they soak, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and add the finely chopped garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes if you love a hint of spice. Once melted, remove from heat and let the flavors mingle for at least 10 minutes — this step is key for that infused garlicky goodness that defines this recipe.
Step 2: Preheat and Assemble Shrimp
Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for around 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect cooking control. While the grill warms up, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels — this helps them char beautifully while grilling. Thread the shrimp onto your soaked skewers, arranging them neatly in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to prep for the next flavorful step.
Step 3: Brush and Grill
Divide your garlic butter mixture in half. Brush one half generously on both sides of the shrimp, coating each piece with that luscious buttery layer. Grill the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then flip and continue grilling until they curl up and turn opaque pink, another 2 to 3 minutes. The sizzling sound and intoxicating aroma make it impossible to resist tasting immediately!
Step 4: Serve with Reserved Sauce
Don’t forget to keep half of your garlic butter sauce for serving. Once your shrimp are grilled to perfection, serve them alongside this reserved butter for dipping. It elevates the shrimp experience to new heights, ensuring every bite is packed with garlic butter bliss.
How to Serve Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of vibrant green color and fresh herbaceous notes that complement the richness of the garlic butter. A wedge of lemon or lime on the side adds a lively citrus tang that brightens every bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad or grilled vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini. For a heartier feast, serve alongside fluffy rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up all that garlicky butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, consider serving the shrimp directly on the skewers over rustic wooden boards or colorful platters. You can also toss the grilled shrimp into pasta for a quick and impressive meal or load them up in crunchy tacos with fresh slaw and a drizzle of lime crema for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled shrimp, pop them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, making them perfect for a quick snack or addition to salads the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze grilled garlic butter shrimp for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freezing is best done within a day of cooking to maintain maximum flavor and texture — the shrimp will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat your shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of the reserved garlic butter. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking, which can make shrimp rubbery. Alternatively, warming in the microwave at short intervals with butter helps keep them moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before threading onto skewers to ensure even grilling and prevent excess moisture.
What can I substitute for wooden skewers?
If you don’t have wooden skewers on hand, metal skewers work wonderfully as they withstand heat without soaking. You can also grill the shrimp directly on a grill pan or basket.
How do I know when the shrimp are done grilling?
The shrimp should be opaque and pink throughout with a slight curl in their shape. Overcooking can make them tough, so aim for juicy and tender shrimp that still have a plump bite.
Can I add other seasonings to the garlic butter?
Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a splash of lemon juice to the butter mixture for added complexity.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes to add a mild heat, but you can leave them out altogether if you prefer a milder, buttery garlic flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite and makes you feel like a grilling pro in your own backyard. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile, perfect for sharing with friends or family on any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a go-to favorite that you keep coming back to again and again!
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Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for summer grilling. Juicy, large shrimp are marinated and basted with a rich garlic butter sauce, then grilled to perfection for a deliciously smoky and buttery experience. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality shrimp right from your backyard grill.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Skewers
- 6–8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
- 1 ½ lbs. large raw shrimp (20–40 per pound, peeled, deveined, with or without tail)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 8–10 garlic cloves, finely chopped or pressed through a garlic press
- ¾ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning on the grill.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, garlic, salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Melt the butter and then remove from heat. Let the mixture infuse for at least 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Preheat Grill and Prep Shrimp: Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350-400°F. Meanwhile, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and thread them onto the soaked skewers in a single layer, then place on a rimmed baking sheet for easy handling.
- Brush Shrimp with Butter Sauce: Split the garlic butter sauce in half. Set aside one half for serving later. Brush the other half generously onto both sides of the shrimp skewers.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp have curled up and are opaque and pink, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve the grilled shrimp hot with the reserved garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing each bite with extra buttery garlic goodness.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from catching fire on the grill.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness or omit for a milder flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they become rubbery; cooking until just opaque and pink is ideal.
- This recipe works well with gas or charcoal grills.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges or chopped parsley for an extra fresh touch.
