If you’ve ever dreamed of a simple yet dazzling seafood dish that bursts with flavor, this Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary arsenal. Juicy, perfectly charred shrimp coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce bring savory, smoky, and slightly spicy notes together in a way that always delights. Whether for a casual weeknight or a special gathering, these skewers are quick to whip up and impossible to resist, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser you’ll be eager to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate with a blue floral pattern full of grilled shrimp on metal skewers. The shrimp are orange and charred with green herb bits sprinkled on top. There are three lemon wedges placed on the plate, one on the edge and two near the shrimp. Beside the plate is a small white bowl with oil and herbs, with a spoon resting inside. To the side, a white plate with a blue rim holds three more grilled shrimp with one lemon wedge. The surface underneath is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the succulent shrimp to the fragrant fresh parsley and a touch of heat from cayenne, these essentials come together to create a dish packed with depth and vibrancy.

2 pounds large tail-on shrimp: Choose peeled and deveined for ease and the perfect texture that holds up on the grill.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives the dish its distinctive bold, aromatic punch.
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted: This forms the rich, silky base of the garlic butter sauce.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky warmth and a beautiful reddish hue to the shrimp.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides a gentle kick that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces the garlicky goodness with a subtle depth.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the flavors and elevates the natural sweetness of shrimp.
2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley: Brings fresh color and a mild herbaceous finish.
1 lemon cut into wedges: For squeezing over the finished shrimp to brighten every bite.

How to Make Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill

Start by warming your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This is key for getting those perfect grill marks and cooking the shrimp quickly without drying them out. A hot grill locks in juiciness and adds an irresistible smoky char.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter with minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, and minced parsley until everything is beautifully combined. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe. Set aside ¼ cup of this mixture—you’ll use it to brush the shrimp just before serving.

Step 3: Coat and Skewer the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the bowl with the remaining garlic butter and toss thoroughly so each piece is luxuriously coated. Then thread the shrimp tightly onto skewers, about 5 to 6 shrimp per skewer, which makes grilling and serving a breeze.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp to Perfection

Place the skewers on your preheated grill or grill pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the shrimp to get those signature grill marks. Flip carefully and continue grilling for another 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and just cooked through. The shrimp will have a lovely charred aroma, signaling they are ready.

Step 5: Finish with Garlic Butter and Parsley

Once grilled, arrange the shrimp skewers on a large serving platter. Brush generously with the reserved garlic butter, so each bite is extra buttery and flavorful. Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top to add a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for that zesty final touch.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe

A blue plate holds about ten grilled shrimp, each shrimp golden brown with dark grill marks, garnished with finely chopped green herbs and small bits of garlic, coated in a shiny, oily glaze. Two large, bright yellow lemon wedges with visible juice drops rest at the top left of the plate. The plate sits on a reddish-brown textured surface with scattered green herbs around it. Part of a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs is visible at the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of minced fresh parsley is the classic choice, adding a lovely green contrast and bright notes. Don’t forget the lemon wedges—squeezing fresh lemon juice right before eating lifts and enhances the garlicky, buttery flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe shines alongside simple sides. Think fluffy white rice, creamy risotto, or a refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette. Grilled veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini also complement the smoky, buttery shrimp beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive yet casual presentation, serve the shrimp skewers on a wooden board or a large platter lined with leafy greens. For an elegant twist, pile the shrimp on a bed of linguine tossed in olive oil and herbs. A garlic butter dipping sauce served alongside is always a winner for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They’ll keep well for up to two days, perfect for a quick snack or a salad topping the next day.

Freezing

While shrimp tastes best freshly grilled, you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Lay them flat in a freezer-safe bag to avoid sticking. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover shrimp by warming in a skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes, preferably with a little extra garlic butter to keep them moist and flavorful. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that grilled texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating and grilling. This helps the garlic butter stick and ensures even cooking.

How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before heating. Also, brushing the shrimp with the garlic butter mixture helps create a natural barrier that reduces sticking.

Can I make this recipe without skewers?

Yes, you can grill the shrimp directly on the grill pan or use a grill basket. Skewers just make flipping easier and keep the shrimp from falling through the grates.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle kick thanks to the cayenne pepper, but it’s mild enough to please most palates. You can always reduce the cayenne or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.

What’s the best type of butter to use?

Salted butter is preferred here because it balances the flavors well, but if you only have unsalted, simply add a pinch more salt to the garlic butter mixture to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe is pure magic in every bite—quick, flavorful, and irresistibly buttery with just the right amount of kick. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is actually incredibly easy, making it perfect for sharing. Trust me, once you try it, grilling shrimp this way will become your new favorite go-to for seafood nights!

Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe