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Flavorful Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter and Lime

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Juicy grilled shrimp skewers marinated in a tangy garlic butter lime sauce, perfect for quick summer cookouts and packed with bold flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for extra flair)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if wooden, to prevent burning)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 large lime)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Devein if needed.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  3. Toss shrimp in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving space between each shrimp for even cooking.
  6. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until shrimp are opaque pink with a nice char. Avoid overcooking.
  7. While grilling, brush shrimp occasionally with leftover marinade to keep moist and flavorful.
  8. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Do not marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes to avoid tough texture. Use tongs to turn shrimp gently to keep them intact. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or broil in the oven, flipping halfway through. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled shrimp, shrimp skewers, garlic butter lime marinade, summer cookout, easy shrimp recipe, seafood, barbecue