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There’s something magical about throwing garlic shrimp skewers on the grill after a long day. The sizzle, that incredible garlic butter smell mixing with bright lemon zest—it instantly transports me back to summer nights at my grandma’s lakeside cabin. She’d whip these up in 20 minutes flat, proving you don’t need fancy ingredients for unforgettable flavor. Now, after years of meal planning (and plenty of overcooked shrimp disasters), I’ve perfected her quick marinade formula—just enough garlic to wake up your taste buds without scaring away dinner guests. Whether it’s a Tuesday treat or the star of your weekend seafood grill, these skewers never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Listen, these garlic shrimp skewers aren’t just good—they’re the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a weeknight hero. Here’s why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my summer seafood grill rotation:
- Speed demon deliciousness: 21 minutes start to finish—that’s faster than waiting for pizza delivery! The marinade works its magic in just 10 minutes while you prep sides or sip wine.
- Flavor bombs: That golden combo of melted butter, fresh garlic, and bright lemon zest? It’s like summer vacation for your tastebuds. The smell alone will have neighbors peeking over the fence.
- BBQ superstar: These quick shrimp skewers are my go-to when entertaining. They look fancy threaded on skewers but are absurdly simple—no one needs to know you spent more time choosing your playlist than cooking.
- Guilt-free bliss: At only 120 calories per skewer, you can stuff your face without undoing your meal planning goals. Pro tip: I always make extras because someone (usually me) will sneak extras straight off the grill.
Honestly, the hardest part is deciding whether to devour them immediately or savor slowly. Either way, they vanish fast—every. Single. Time.
Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Okay, let’s gather the goodies! These garlic shrimp skewers keep it simple but pack serious flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to raid your pantry for:
- The Stars:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined – size matters here!)
- Wooden or metal skewers (see my soaking tip below)
- The Magic Marinade:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (trust me, fresh is best)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (the savory backbone)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (that bright zing!)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (where the real citrus kick hides)
- 1/2 tsp salt (balances all the flavors)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (just enough warmth)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (the green confetti finish)
Quick FYI: If you’re using wooden skewers (my budget-friendly fave), soak them in water for 30 minutes first. Learned this the smoky way when my first batch caught fire mid-grill—not the dramatic flair we’re going for!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Look, life happens—here’s how to adapt without losing that wow factor:
- Butter blues? Olive oil works beautifully for my dairy-free friends. Just reduce lemon juice slightly since oil doesn’t mellow acidity like butter does.
- Out of lemons? Lime zest and juice bring a different but equally delicious vibe. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch (I won’t tell).
- Parsley MIA? Dried parsley (1 tsp) can sub in, but add it to the marinade early so it rehydrates.
- Shrimp size: Jumbos (21/25 count) are ideal—they stay juicy and are easier to skewer than smaller shrimp that tend to overcook.
The beauty? This recipe forgives improvisation. My grandma always said cooking should feel joyful, not stressful!
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Alright, let’s transform those gorgeous shrimp into the most mouthwatering bbq shrimp skewers you’ve ever tasted! I promise it’s easier than folding fitted sheets—just follow these simple steps and you’ll be grilling like a pro.
- Fire up that grill: Preheat to medium-high (about 400°F). While it heats, make your marinade—this is where the magic begins!
- Marinate with love: Whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Add your shrimp (make sure they’re patted dry—more on that later!) and toss gently. Set your timer for 10 minutes—any longer and the acid starts “cooking” the shrimp. We want juicy, not mushy!
- Skewer time! Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer (I leave a tiny space between each so heat circulates evenly). Tip: If using wooden skewers, double-wrap the exposed ends in foil to prevent charcoal disasters!
- Grill to perfection: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Watch closely—when the edges get those cute little grill marks and the flesh turns from gray to pink and opaque, they’re done! Overcooked shrimp breaks my heart.
- The grand finale: Sprinkle with fresh parsley right off the grill. The residual heat wakes up those herbal notes beautifully.
See? Even on busy nights, these grilled garlic shrimp skewers come together faster than my kids can ask “What’s for dinner?” Pro tip: Keep that leftover marinade—we’re using it later!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Skewers
After years of trial and error (and a few tragic shrimp sacrifices), here are my can’t-live-without secrets:
- Pat those shrimp dry! Excess moisture = steamy shrimp instead of beautifully caramelized. A quick paper towel press makes all the difference.
- Give ’em space: Don’t cram shrimp together on skewers—leave a pinky-width gap between each for even cooking. I usually do 4-5 per 10-inch skewer.
- Double-duty marinade: Before tossing raw shrimp in it, reserve 2 tablespoons of marinade for basting during grilling (just don’t reuse marinade that touched raw shrimp—food safety first!).
Remember what my grandma always said: “Good cooking isn’t about fancy techniques—it’s about paying attention.” Watch those shrimp like they’re the season finale of your favorite show, and you’ll nail it every time!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Shrimp Skewers
These garlic shrimp skewers are basically the life of the party—they play well with almost anything! My favorite part is how effortlessly they turn a simple weeknight dinner into something special. Here’s how I love to serve them:
- Grilled veggie buddies: Toss some zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus in olive oil and grill them alongside the shrimp—same cook time, zero extra effort. The smoky char pairs perfectly with that lemon-garlic goodness.
- Pillowy rice pilaf: That buttery marinade practically begs to be soaked up by fluffy rice. I cheat with a 5-minute microwave pouch when my meal planning falls apart (hey, we’ve all been there).
- Crisp salad sidekick: A simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan balances the richness. Bonus: The lemony dressing echoes the shrimp’s flavors.
Don’t forget the finishing touches—extra lemon wedges for squeezing and a generous sprinkle of parsley. Presentation trick? Arrange skewers on a platter with all the garnishes—it looks restaurant-worthy but took you less time than waiting in a drive-thru!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk leftovers (though these garlic shrimp skewers rarely make it that far in my house!). If you do have extras, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll keep happily for up to 2 days. When reheating, skip the microwave—that rubbery shrimp texture is nobody’s friend. Instead, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of lemon juice or broth, or place them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. They won’t be quite as magical as fresh-off-the-grill, but they’ll still taste delicious tossed into pasta or salads the next day.
Garlic Shrimp Skewers FAQs
I get asked these questions all the time about my famous garlic shrimp skewers – let me save you some trial and error with my hard-earned wisdom!
Can I use frozen shrimp for these skewers?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works great – just thaw them overnight in the fridge or place the bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pro tip: Pat them extra dry after thawing since frozen shrimp tend to hold more moisture. This helps the marinade stick better and prevents those sad steamed shrimp vibes.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
10 minutes is the sweet spot! Any longer and the lemon juice starts “cooking” the shrimp (ceviche-style), which can make them mushy. I set a timer because I’ve totally spaced out watching cooking shows while prepping dinner! For prawn skewers especially, that perfect tender-but-firm texture makes all the difference.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes! On rainy days, I bake them at 400°F for 8-10 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet pan. You won’t get those sexy grill marks, but the flavor’s still fantastic. Flip them halfway through and brush with reserved marinade for extra deliciousness. The shrimp are done when they curl into a “C” shape and turn opaque.
What’s the best way to keep shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Season your grill grates well before heating – I rub them with oil using tongs and a folded paper towel. Make sure your grill is properly preheated (about 400°F), and don’t try moving the skewers too soon – let them develop a crust first (about 90 seconds). If they stick, they’re not ready to flip!
Can I prep these skewers ahead for meal planning?
Here’s my strategy: Prep the marinade up to 2 days ahead, but wait to add shrimp until you’re ready to cook. You can thread cleaned shrimp onto skewers and refrigerate them separately up to 4 hours before grilling. This keeps everything fresh while simplifying last-minute prep – perfect for those crazy weeknights when every minute counts!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive in: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients or portion sizes. That said, here’s what each garlic shrimp skewer brings to the table!
- 120 calories – light enough for seconds (or thirds… no judgment!)
- 6g fat – mostly from that glorious butter
- 15g protein – keeps you full and happy
- Only 1g sugar and practically no carbs, making these skewers perfect for low-calorie meal plans.
Honestly, with numbers this good, you can totally justify that extra skewer – I always do! The protein-to-calorie ratio makes these my go-to when balancing indulgence with wellness goals.
Share Your Garlic Shrimp Skewers Experience
Alright, I’ve poured my shrimp-loving heart into this recipe – now it’s your turn! Did these garlic shrimp skewers become your new summer seafood grill obsession? I’d absolutely adore seeing your creations (especially if you gave them any fun twists). Tag me @CarlasCooking on Instagram or leave a rating below – your feedback makes my day brighter than lemon zest in sunlight! Bonus points if you snap a pic of that perfect char… we all know grill marks are the true badge of honor.
PrintGarlic Shrimp Skewers
Quick and flavorful shrimp skewers marinated in garlic butter and lemon, perfect for a weeknight seafood BBQ.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 6 min
- Total Time: 21 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg