This Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp recipe is packed with rich buttery flavor, fresh garlic, smoky paprika, and a hint of cayenne for gentle heat. Juicy shrimp are grilled until lightly charred, then brushed with extra garlic butter and finished with fresh parsley and lemon. It’s a quick, restaurant-quality seafood recipe that’s perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 25 minutes
- Juicy, tender shrimp with smoky grilled flavor
- Rich homemade garlic butter sauce
- Perfect for grilling season
- Naturally gluten-free and high in protein
- Great as a main course or appetizer
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 2 pounds large tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 30–35 shrimp)
Garlic Butter Marinade
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
For Serving
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Extra chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, and chopped parsley.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the garlic butter mixture for brushing after grilling.
- Add the shrimp to the remaining garlic butter mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Thread the shrimp onto six skewers, dividing them evenly.
- Place the shrimp skewers directly onto the hot grill.
- Grill for 3–4 minutes without moving them.
- Flip the skewers and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque, lightly charred, and cooked through.
- Transfer the Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp to a serving platter.
- Brush generously with the reserved garlic butter.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat the shrimp dry before marinating for better caramelization.
- Avoid overcooking—shrimp cook very quickly.
- Use metal skewers or soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Fresh garlic and parsley provide the best flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, pasta, or a crisp salad.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, High Protein, Halal-Friendly
Notes
- Unsalted butter may be substituted by adding an extra pinch of salt.
- Lime wedges can replace lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for additional heat.
- Leftover shrimp make an excellent topping for salads, pasta, or tacos.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 315
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink, become opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Can I cook these shrimp indoors?
Absolutely. A grill pan or cast-iron skillet works wonderfully.
Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes. The garlic butter mixture can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp?
Rice, grilled corn, roasted potatoes, pasta, garlic bread, fresh salad, or grilled vegetables all pair perfectly.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 2 pounds large tail-on shrimp peeled and deveined (about 30–35 shrimp)
Garlic Butter Marinade
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup 1 stick salted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
For Serving
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- Extra chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, and chopped parsley.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the garlic butter mixture for brushing after grilling.
- Add the shrimp to the remaining garlic butter mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Thread the shrimp onto six skewers, dividing them evenly.
- Place the shrimp skewers directly onto the hot grill.
- Grill for 3–4 minutes without moving them.
- Flip the skewers and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque, lightly charred, and cooked through.
- Transfer the Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp to a serving platter.
- Brush generously with the reserved garlic butter.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.
Notes
- Unsalted butter may be substituted by adding an extra pinch of salt.
- Lime wedges can replace lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for additional heat.
- Leftover shrimp make an excellent topping for salads, pasta, or tacos.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp recipe delivers tender, juicy shrimp infused with rich garlic butter, smoky spices, and fresh herbs in every bite. Quick enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining, these grilled shrimp skewers are guaranteed to become a favorite for barbecues, family meals, and seafood lovers alike.