Backyard Bliss: Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Imagine this: the sun is setting, casting a warm glow over your backyard. The air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of garlic and butter, mingling with the smoky scent of the grill. In your hand, you hold a skewer laden with perfectly grilled, succulent shrimp, each bite bursting with flavor. This isn’t just a dream; it’s a reality you can create with our incredibly easy and delicious Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe.

This recipe is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of fresh shrimp, fragrant garlic, rich butter, and a touch of lemon is a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, grilling the shrimp adds a smoky char that elevates the flavor to a whole new level.

Let’s dive in and learn how to make this backyard grilling sensation!

## What Makes This Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp So Good?

Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why this dish is so irresistible:

* **Simplicity:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The garlic butter sauce is the star of the show. It’s rich, savory, and aromatic, perfectly complementing the delicate sweetness of the shrimp.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** Shrimp cooks incredibly fast on the grill, making this a perfect option for a quick and easy meal.
* **Versatility:** You can serve these grilled shrimp as an appetizer, a main course, or even add them to salads or pasta dishes.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves shrimp, especially when it’s bathed in garlic butter!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this delectable grilled shrimp:

* **1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined:** Opt for fresh shrimp if possible, but frozen shrimp that has been thawed and patted dry will also work. Make sure to remove the shells and devein the shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Tail on or tail off is personal preference. Tail on often looks more elegant when serving as an appetizer.
* **1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted:** Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. You can substitute with salted butter, but be sure to taste and adjust the salt accordingly.
* **4-6 cloves garlic, minced:** Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor. Jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
* **2 tablespoons lemon juice:** Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the butter. Bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh is always preferred.
* **1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley:** Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor. You can substitute with dried parsley, but use about half the amount.
* **1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
* **Salt and black pepper to taste:** Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors of the shrimp and the garlic butter sauce.
* **Olive oil:** For brushing the grill grates to prevent sticking.
* **Skewers (if using):** Metal or wooden skewers work well. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Grill:** A gas grill or charcoal grill will work for this recipe. If using a charcoal grill, make sure to preheat it to medium-high heat.
* **Mixing bowl:** For mixing the garlic butter sauce.
* **Tongs:** For handling the shrimp on the grill.
* **Skewers (optional):** For easier grilling and presentation.
* **Basting brush:** For applying the garlic butter sauce to the shrimp.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get grilling!

**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp**

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the shrimp to brown properly on the grill.
* Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on or off, depending on your preference.
* Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl.

**Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**

* In a separate mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
* Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.

**Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp (Optional)**

* Pour half of the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp in the mixing bowl.
* Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the sauce.
* Marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp and make them even more delicious. If you are short on time, you can skip the marinating step.

**Step 4: Preheat the Grill**

* Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F or 190-230°C).
* Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush.
* Lightly oil the grill grates with olive oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking.

**Step 5: Skewer the Shrimp (Optional)**

* If using skewers, thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly and ensure that the shrimp cook properly.
* You can thread about 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer.

**Step 6: Grill the Shrimp**

* Place the shrimp (either on skewers or directly on the grill grates) onto the preheated grill.
* Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque and are slightly charred.
* Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
* While the shrimp are grilling, brush them with the remaining garlic butter sauce.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the grilled garlic butter shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
* Garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Grilling the Perfect Shrimp

* **Don’t overcook the shrimp:** Shrimp cooks very quickly, so keep a close eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery.
* **Use the right heat:** Grilling shrimp over medium-high heat will ensure that they cook quickly and evenly without burning.
* **Keep the grill grates clean:** Clean grill grates will prevent the shrimp from sticking and ensure that they cook properly.
* **Don’t overcrowd the grill:** Grilling the shrimp in batches will allow them to cook more evenly.
* **Marinate the shrimp (optional):** Marinating the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce will add flavor and moisture, but it’s not essential.
* **Soak wooden skewers:** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
* **Use a grill basket (optional):** A grill basket can be used to prevent the shrimp from falling through the grill grates, especially if you are using smaller shrimp.

## Variations and Additions

This Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to your liking with these variations and additions:

* **Spicy Shrimp:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Herbaceous Shrimp:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary, in the garlic butter sauce.
* **Citrusy Shrimp:** Add orange or grapefruit juice to the garlic butter sauce for a different citrusy flavor.
* **Honey Garlic Shrimp:** Add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.
* **Coconut Shrimp:** Dip the shrimp in shredded coconut before grilling for a tropical twist.
* **Vegetable Skewers:** Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers along with the shrimp for a complete meal.
* **Lemon-Herb Butter:** Mix softened butter with lemon zest, chopped herbs (like dill and parsley), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for an incredibly flavorful compound butter to melt over the grilled shrimp.

## Serving Suggestions

Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

* **Appetizer:** Serve the shrimp on skewers as an appetizer at your next barbecue or party.
* **Main Course:** Serve the shrimp over rice, pasta, or quinoa as a main course.
* **Salad Topping:** Add the shrimp to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful addition.
* **Tacos:** Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos or burritos.
* **Grilled Shrimp Scampi:** Toss the grilled shrimp with cooked pasta, extra garlic butter sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a delicious shrimp scampi dish.
* **Alongside Grilled Vegetables:** Serve the shrimp alongside other grilled vegetables like asparagus, corn on the cob, or bell peppers for a complete and healthy meal.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious garlic butter sauce.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover grilled garlic butter shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the shrimp, you can either microwave them for a minute or two, or sauté them in a pan with a little bit of butter until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as they can become tough.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze cooked shrimp, it’s generally not recommended as it can affect the texture. If you do freeze them, make sure they are completely cool and stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 4 servings):

* Calories: Approximately 250-300
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

Our Backyard Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a guaranteed winner for any occasion. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing a weeknight dinner, or simply craving a delicious seafood dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the best grilled shrimp you’ve ever tasted! Don’t forget to share your creations with us using #GrilledGarlicButterShrimp on social media. We can’t wait to see your backyard grilling masterpieces!