If you are craving a seafood dish that brings both simplicity and bold, irresistible flavors to your table, my Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, smoky shrimp grilled to perfection, infused with zesty lemon and paprika, then generously coated in a silky garlic butter sauce that elevates every bite. This recipe is not just about cooking shrimp; it’s about creating a vibrant experience full of freshness, richness, and that satisfying char that only a grill can deliver. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself on a weeknight, these skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the dish’s flavor, texture, and appeal. From the juicy shrimp to the fragrant garlic butter sauce, every component has been thoughtfully selected to create balance and vibrancy.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): The star of the dish, peeled and deveined for ease and quick grilling.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and helps the marinade adhere to the shrimp, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon for sauce): Brings bright acidity that cuts through the richness and enhances freshness.
- Minced garlic (6 cloves total): Provides that unmistakable pungency and depth, especially in the buttery sauce.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the marinade.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon in marinade plus to taste in sauce): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon in marinade plus to taste in sauce): Gives subtle heat and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle spicy kick.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon chopped, optional for marinade + 1 tablespoon for sauce): Adds a fresh herbaceous note and visual appeal.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): The base for the luscious garlic butter sauce that ties everything together.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if you like some heat, and freshly chopped parsley in a bowl. This marinade infuses the shrimp with balanced layers of citrus brightness, smoky warmth, and herbaceous freshness. Add in the shrimp and toss them around until they are evenly coated, then cover and let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This patience step allows the flavors to seep into every crevice of the shrimp, making each bite vibrant and tasty.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the shrimp marinate, melt the butter gently in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it just until it becomes fragrant, careful not to let it brown because bitterness would spoil the sauce. Stir in a splash of lemon juice and the fresh parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Keep this sauce warm and ready to pour over the grilled shrimp, as it will add that silky, savory finish that transforms the dish.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat — the ideal temperature to get a beautiful sear on the shrimp without drying them out. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, spacing them evenly for consistent cooking. Grill the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they have an opaque pink color and slight grill marks, but still tender and juicy inside. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can turn rubbery quickly.
Step 4: Serve with Garlic Butter Sauce
Once grilled, arrange the shrimp on a serving platter and drizzle generously with your homemade garlic butter sauce. This step is where all your work comes together, turning simple seafood into a mouthwatering feast. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor if you wish.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges are classic, simple garnishes that brighten the look and taste of the grilled shrimp. You can also sprinkle some flaky sea salt or drizzle a touch more olive oil if you want an extra burst of savory richness.
Side Dishes
These shrimp skewers are incredibly versatile and pair perfectly with light, complementary sides. Consider serving them alongside a crisp green salad, fluffy couscous, grilled vegetables, or a creamy risotto to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, think about presenting these skewers on a rustic wooden board or over a bed of fresh greens. For a fun twist, serve them alongside garlic bread to soak up the buttery sauce or even wrap them up in lettuce leaves for shrimp tacos with a zesty flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the shrimp and garlic butter sauce separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate and consume within 2 days for best freshness and flavor retention.
Freezing
While fresh grilled shrimp are always ideal, you can freeze marinated shrimp before grilling for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before grilling. The cooked shrimp do not freeze well, as their texture becomes tough and rubbery.
Reheating
To reheat leftover grilled shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or oil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to cook them further and causes toughness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before marinating and grilling to ensure even cooking and proper flavor absorption.
Is it necessary to use skewers?
While skewers make grilling easier and help with presentation, you can also grill shrimp directly on a grill basket or pan if you prefer.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and gently reheat it before serving. Just be careful not to burn the garlic when reheating.
What if I don’t have paprika or red pepper flakes?
You can omit them; the shrimp will still taste delicious but slightly less smoky and spicy. Feel free to experiment with other spices like cumin or chili powder if you want a different twist.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Keep a close eye while grilling — shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque for the juiciest results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe enough for anyone looking to elevate their seafood game with minimal fuss. It’s a recipe that feels special yet stays easy, full of fresh, vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Whether for a casual family dinner or your next BBQ, these skewers are sure to become a beloved favorite—give it a try and enjoy every juicy, buttery bite!
Print
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are a quick and delicious seafood dish perfect for any occasion. Juicy shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices are grilled to perfection and served with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. This recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress guests or make a simple weeknight dinner special.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh parsley (if using). Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Coat and Refrigerate: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the shrimp to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat carefully to avoid burning.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened, ensuring it does not brown to maintain a delicate flavor.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm while you grill the shrimp to serve immediately.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the shrimp skewers.
- Thread the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, spacing them evenly to ensure even grilling.
- Grill the Shrimp: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp cook quickly and can become tough.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the skewers and place them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the grilled shrimp and garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- For easier grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the shrimp to prevent burning.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as they become rubbery; pink and opaque is perfect.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with cilantro if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- Serve these skewers with a side of rice, salad, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Use gloves when handling red pepper flakes if you want to avoid any skin irritation.