Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter
Easy 15 minutes 4 servings Any Grill

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter

Grilled shrimp is the ultimate fast cook. Large shrimp go from raw to perfectly pink in 2-3 minutes per side. The garlic butter glaze caramelizes on the grill, creating a sweet-savory char that pairs with everything from tacos to pasta. This is the appetizer that disappears first at every cookout.

Grill Wizard — Aussie pitmaster in MinnesotaBy The Grill Wizard · Aussie pitmaster, MN

Last Updated

First Published

FreshThis recipe was last reviewed on May 9, 2026.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Metal or soaked wooden skewers

Step by Step

1

Make garlic butter glaze

Melt butter and stir in garlic, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt. Reserve half for basting on the grill and half for drizzling after cooking.

2

Thread shrimp on skewers

Thread 5-6 shrimp per skewer, piercing through both the head and tail ends so they lay flat. Use two parallel skewers per portion to prevent spinning. Brush with half the garlic butter.

3

Preheat grill to medium-high

You want hot enough to sear but not so hot that the butter burns instantly. Medium-high (400-450°F) is the sweet spot. Oil the grates well — shrimp stick easily.

4

Grill 2-3 minutes per side

Place skewers on the grate. Don't touch them for 2-3 minutes — let the garlic butter caramelize and the shrimp turn pink. Flip once. Cook another 2 minutes until the shrimp are pink and slightly curled (C-shape, not O-shape).

5

Finish and serve

Remove from grill and immediately drizzle with the reserved garlic butter. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Eat hot — shrimp become rubbery as they cool.

Pro Tips

  • C-shape = perfectly cooked. O-shape = overcooked. Straight = still raw. Watch the curl to judge doneness.
  • Leave the tails on for presentation and easy handling. Guests can use the tail as a handle.
  • Double-skewer technique (two parallel skewers) is essential — it prevents shrimp from spinning when you flip.
  • For smoky shrimp, add soaked wood chips to your gas grill or use a charcoal grill with a chunk of mesquite.

Recommended Gear for This Recipe

Stainless Steel Skewers Set $12

No soaking, no burning — reusable forever

Check Price

OXO Good Grips Tongs $40

Flip skewers without dropping shrimp

Check Price

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter take to cook?
Total time is about 15 minutes including prep and rest. It's a beginner-friendly recipe — no special technique required.
What grill do I need?
This recipe is written for a any grill. You can adapt it to other cookers — the main thing is matching the temperature and zone setup, not the brand of grill.
How many people does it serve?
4 servings. Scale ingredients up or down proportionally for larger or smaller groups.
What's the single most important tip?
C-shape = perfectly cooked. O-shape = overcooked. Straight = still raw. Watch the curl to judge doneness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Most BBQ recipes hold beautifully — you can cook it earlier in the day, wrap tightly in foil, and rest in a cooler (no ice) for up to 4 hours. The flavor often improves with the rest.

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