Sizzling Skewers: The Ultimate Grilled Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Grilled garlic shrimp is a summer staple, a crowd-pleaser, and honestly, one of the easiest and most delicious dishes you can whip up on the grill. The combination of succulent shrimp, smoky char, and pungent garlic is simply irresistible. This recipe is designed to be simple, adaptable, and utterly foolproof. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality grilled garlic shrimp that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Grilled Garlic Shrimp is the Perfect Dish

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.
* **Flavorful:** The garlic butter sauce infuses every bite of shrimp with rich, savory flavor.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a surf and turf meal.
* **Healthy:** Shrimp is a lean protein source, and this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients.
* **Impressive:** Despite its simplicity, grilled garlic shrimp looks and tastes impressive, perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Quality ingredients are key to achieving the best flavor.

* **Shrimp:** 2 pounds of large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Size matters here – larger shrimp are easier to grill and stay juicier. Look for shrimp that are labeled “16/20” or “21/25” count per pound. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp works equally well. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before grilling.
* **Garlic:** 6-8 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s the star of the show.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted. Butter acts as the base for our flavorful sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, extra virgin. Olive oil helps to prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the garlic butter.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. You can substitute with other herbs like cilantro or chives if you prefer.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
* **Wooden Skewers:** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get grilling! Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled garlic shrimp.

**1. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes, or until thawed. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of grilling them.
* Peel and devein the shrimp. To devein, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. This step is optional but recommended for the best texture.

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

* In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to burn the butter.
* Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic, as it will become bitter.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

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

* In a bowl, combine the shrimp with half of the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful shrimp.

**4. Thread the Shrimp onto Skewers:**

* Thread the shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp. This allows for even cooking. You can use two skewers per skewer to prevent the shrimp from spinning while grilling.

**5. Preheat the Grill:**

* Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-205°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

**6. Grill the Shrimp:**

* Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough and rubbery. Shrimp cooks very quickly.
* Brush the shrimp with the remaining garlic butter sauce while grilling, if desired. This will add extra flavor and moisture.

**7. Serve Immediately:**

* Remove the grilled garlic shrimp skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve hot!

Tips for Grilling Perfect Shrimp

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked shrimp is tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a “C” shape.
* **Use High Heat:** Grilling shrimp over medium-high heat ensures a good sear and prevents them from sticking to the grill grates.
* **Keep an Eye On Them:** Shrimp cook quickly, so stay close to the grill and watch them carefully.
* **Pat Dry:** Patting the shrimp dry before grilling helps them to get a good sear and prevents steaming.
* **Oil the Grill:** Oiling the grill grates prevents the shrimp from sticking.
* **Use Skewers:** Skewers make grilling shrimp easier and prevent them from falling through the grates.
* **Soak Wooden Skewers:** Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning.
* **Marinate (Optional):** Marinating the shrimp adds extra flavor and moisture.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper.

Variations and Additions

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* **Spicy Grilled Garlic Shrimp:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce.
* **Honey Garlic Shrimp:** Add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.
* **Cajun Grilled Shrimp:** Use Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon Herb Shrimp:** Add other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the garlic butter sauce.
* **Grilled Shrimp Scampi:** Serve the grilled garlic shrimp over pasta with extra garlic butter sauce.
* **Grilled Shrimp Tacos:** Use the grilled garlic shrimp as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite taco toppings.
* **Grilled Shrimp Salad:** Add the grilled garlic shrimp to a salad for a protein-packed meal.
* **Coconut Shrimp:** Dip the shrimp in shredded coconut before grilling for a tropical twist.
* **Pineapple Shrimp:** Marinate the shrimp with pineapple juice for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled garlic shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Appetizer:** Serve the grilled garlic shrimp skewers as an appetizer with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce like aioli or cocktail sauce.
* **Main Course:** Serve the grilled garlic shrimp over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal. Add a side of grilled vegetables or a salad.
* **Surf and Turf:** Pair the grilled garlic shrimp with grilled steak or chicken for a surf and turf feast.
* **Tacos:** Use the grilled garlic shrimp as a filling for tacos, topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of cilantro lime crema.
* **Salads:** Add the grilled garlic shrimp to a salad for a protein-packed meal. Try it with a Caesar salad, a Greek salad, or a mixed green salad.
* **Pasta Dishes:** Toss the grilled garlic shrimp with your favorite pasta sauce and noodles. Try it with pesto, marinara, or Alfredo sauce.
* **Grain Bowls:** Add the grilled garlic shrimp to a grain bowl with rice, quinoa, or farro, along with roasted vegetables and a flavorful sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover grilled garlic shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or sandwiches.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Conclusion

Grilled garlic shrimp is a delicious, easy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a great option for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or impromptu gatherings. So fire up your grill and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy!

Recipe Card

**Grilled Garlic Shrimp**

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 6 minutes
**Total time:** 21 minutes

**Serves:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Wooden skewers, soaked in water (if using)

**Instructions:**

1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and stir in olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. In a bowl, combine shrimp with half of the garlic butter sauce. Marinate for 15-30 minutes (optional).
5. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
7. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Brush with remaining sauce while grilling, if desired.
8. Serve immediately. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

**Notes:**

* Don’t overcook the shrimp.
* Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
* Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
* Serve as an appetizer, main course, or in tacos, salads, or pasta dishes.