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grilled shrimp skewers garlic butter

Best grilled shrimp skewers garlic butter

grilled shrimp skewers garlic butter delivers buttery richness and smoky char, perfect for easy BBQ shrimp lovers seeking summer skewers Try
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: BBQ & Grilling Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp honey

Method
 

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before grilling—this prevents charring and keeps your carefully seasoned shrimp from sliding off into the coals. I learned this the hard way at my first backyard dinner party. Metal skewers work too and require no prep, though wood gives you that authentic summer feel.
  2. Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels, then thread them onto skewers by passing through the thickest part twice—this creates an S-curve that maximizes heat contact. Wet shrimp won't develop that golden crust, which is where the real garlic butter magic happens. This is the single most important step because moisture is your enemy here.
  3. Whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. The oil extends the butter and prevents it from burning at high heat—because pure butter alone browns too quickly. Reserve half of this garlic butter mixture in a separate container for basting.
  4. Brush skewered shrimp generously with the working portion of your garlic butter grilled shrimp marinade on both sides. Place skewers on a preheated grill set to medium-high (around 400°F). The heat should sizzle audibly when you place them down—that's your confirmation the grill is ready.
  5. Grill for exactly 3-4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to flip multiple times. I used to fidget constantly, thinking I was helping. The shrimp will turn from translucent to opaque; watch for that curve in the body, which signals they're cooked through. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so timing matters more than technique.
  6. In the final 60 seconds of cooking, brush with reserved garlic butter mixture and drizzle the honey over top. This honey-butter glaze creates caramelization without burning the garlic—the technique most easy BBQ shrimp recipes forget entirely. You'll smell the difference immediately as the honey hits the heat.
  7. Transfer finished skewers to a serving platter and drizzle with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley right before serving. The acid from lemon cuts through richness while the parsley adds color and a fresh finish. This is your final moment to taste and adjust seasoning if needed.