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Looking for a quick, tasty dish to impress your friends? Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp Skewers are the answer! In this blog post, I’ll guide you on how to prepare these mouthwatering skewers step by step. You’ll learn about the key ingredients, essential tools, and even some clever tips to ensure your shrimp turn out perfectly juicy every time. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and enjoy a burst of flavor!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs creates a delightful flavor profile that elevates the shrimp to a whole new level.
- Versatile Cooking: These skewers can be grilled, baked, or cooked on a stovetop grill pan, allowing for flexibility based on your cooking preferences.
- Impressive Presentation: Serving these skewers garnished with parsley and lemon wedges makes for a beautiful and appetizing dish that impresses guests.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Bamboo or metal skewers
Required Equipment
To make these skewers, you need a few simple tools:
– Mixing bowl
– Whisk
– Grill or grill pan
– Skewers (bamboo or metal)
– Tongs
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ingredients for your taste:
– Use shrimp alternatives like chicken or firm fish.
– Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
– Try lime juice instead of lemon for a different flavor.
– Use fresh herbs like thyme or basil instead of oregano.
– If you need a kick, add cayenne pepper instead of paprika.
Each of these swaps still gives you tasty Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp Skewers!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Skewers
To start, choose your skewers. If you use bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps avoid burning on the grill. Metal skewers are great too because they do not need soaking. Once ready, line them up for easy access during cooking.
Marinating the Shrimp
Next, we will make the marinade. In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it is well combined. Now, add the shrimp to the bowl. Toss the shrimp gently until they are fully coated. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor.
Grilling Techniques
Now it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. Thread four to five marinated shrimp onto each skewer. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. Remove them from the grill and let them rest for one minute. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Juicy Shrimp
To keep shrimp juicy, use fresh shrimp. Fresh shrimp has better flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that feels firm and has a mild smell. When cooking, avoid overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. This way, they stay tender and delicious.
Perfect Marinade Time
Marinating shrimp adds flavor. For this recipe, a short time works best. I recommend marinating for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in without making the shrimp too salty. If you marinate too long, the acid in the lemon juice can change the shrimp’s texture.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One common mistake is not soaking wooden skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning on the grill. Also, be careful not to crowd the shrimp on the skewers. Leave some space between them to ensure even cooking. Lastly, remember to rest the skewers after grilling. This helps the juices settle back into the shrimp for a better bite.
Pro Tips
- Soak Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Marinate for Flavor:
- Watch Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque in just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Garnish Smartly: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor. Consider adding lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.

Variations
Adding Vegetables to Skewers
You can make your skewers even better by adding veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work great. Just cut them into pieces the same size as shrimp. Marinate the vegetables in the same garlic butter mix. This adds color and texture to your dish. Plus, it boosts the nutrients in your meal.
Alternative Marinade Ingredients
If you want to switch things up, try different flavors in your marinade. Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a zesty twist. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or basil instead of oregano. For a touch of sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey. These changes can give your skewers a whole new vibe.
Spicy Garlic Butter Option
Love some heat? Make a spicy garlic butter by adding red pepper flakes to the marinade. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This spice gives your shrimp a nice kick. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. Enjoy the heat with the rich garlic butter.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
After cooking, let your shrimp skewers cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover them well. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, wrap the cooked skewers tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips
Reheat shrimp skewers in the oven or on the grill. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. If using a grill, place them back on for a few minutes until warm. This keeps the shrimp juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
How long do you cook shrimp on skewers?
You cook shrimp on skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for shrimp that turn pink and opaque. This means they are done. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough and chewy, so keep an eye on them.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better.
What to serve with Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp Skewers?
These skewers pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:
– Rice or quinoa
– Grilled vegetables
– Salad with fresh greens
– Garlic bread
These sides balance the rich garlic butter flavor and keep the meal light.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. You can marinate the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Cook them fresh when ready to eat. This gives you a quick and tasty meal option for busy days.
This post covered how to make delicious garlic butter lemon shrimp skewers. We discussed the ingredients you’ll need, the right equipment, and even swaps for those items. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping, marinating, and grilling. You learned tips for keeping shrimp juicy and avoiding common mistakes. Finally, we explored variations, storage, and answers to your burning questions.
Now, you’re ready to grill with confidence and impress your friends and family. Enjoy your tasty creatio
Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp Skewers
Delicious shrimp marinated in garlic butter and lemon, grilled to perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon Zest of
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
- Bamboo or metal skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Add shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, around 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Remove from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve the skewers on a long platter, drizzling some extra garlic butter over the top and adding lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Keyword garlic, grill, lemon, shrimp, skewers
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