– **Title**: Delicious Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– Skewers (wooden or metal)
– **Instructions**:
1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Thread the peeled and deveined shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Arrange the shrimp skewers on the grill and brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture.
6. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
7. Remove the skewers from the grill and brush with any remaining garlic butter.
8. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious grilled shrimp skewers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: For this recipe, large shrimp work best, as they stay juicy when grilled. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp is a great alternative. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating!
Butter: Unsalted butter is the go-to here. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try using olive oil instead. It adds a nice flavor and works well with the garlic.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh is always preferred for its rich aroma and taste. I love to use a garlic press for quick mincing!
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice brightness. If you don’t have it, you can use another fresh herb like cilantro or basil for a different twist.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal for that zesty kick. Bottled lemon juice works too, but it won’t have the same fresh flavor. Try to use fresh whenever possible!
How Do I Make Sure My Shrimp Don’t Overcook on the Grill?
Grilling shrimp can be tricky because they cook very quickly. Here are some tips to prevent them from becoming rubbery:
- Marinate: Let the shrimp soak in the garlic butter for at least 15 minutes. This adds flavor and helps tenderize them.
- Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high. This ensures a good sear, locking in moisture.
- Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on them! Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them as soon as they’re done.
- Even Spacing: Make sure the shrimp on skewers are not tightly packed. This allows heat to circulate evenly for perfect cooking.
Delicious Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Garlic Butter Marinade:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Skewering:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 15-30 minutes for marinating. Cooking the skewers will only take an additional 6-8 minutes on the grill. So, you can enjoy these delicious shrimp skewers in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Garlic Butter Marinade:
Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned. This part adds such a great flavor! Now, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Pour half of the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp and toss everything well so the shrimp are nicely coated. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes; this will help them soak in all that wonderful flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is important to ensure your shrimp cook evenly and become nice and juicy.
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp have marinated, it’s time to thread them onto skewers. Make sure not to pack them too tightly so they cook well. If using wooden skewers, don’t forget they should be soaked in water beforehand to prevent burning!
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque. For an extra flavor boost, brush the shrimp with the remaining garlic butter while they’re grilling.
6. Serve the Skewers:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. You can sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a nice touch and serve with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the shrimp.
Enjoy your grilled shrimp skewers hot and fresh! They’re perfect for a summer dinner or a fun cookout. Happy grilling!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely before marinating. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 10-15 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine. Use the same amount (4 tablespoons) and follow the same steps for melting and mixing with garlic and other ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp Skewers?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Can I Add Vegetables to My Skewers?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion are great additions. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes as the shrimp for even cooking. You may want to slightly increase grilling time by a minute or so for the vegetables to cook through.
