You know those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I fell in love with these garlic butter shrimp skewers. I’ve been making seafood for years, and this recipe is my go-to when I need something quick, flavorful, and impressive enough for guests. The magic happens in under 20 minutes – from peeling shrimp to that first buttery, garlicky bite. Trust me, once you try these golden-brown skewers with their perfect sear, you’ll understand why this recipe never leaves my rotation. It’s the kind of dish that makes people think you slaved away, when really, it’s one of the easiest things in my seafood repertoire.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Let me tell you why these skewers are my weeknight superheroes. First off, they’re ridiculously quick—I’ve timed myself making them during commercial breaks! But speed doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. That garlic butter? It’s like a cozy blanket for the shrimp, and the paprika gives it just the right smoky kick. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Dinner in 20 minutes (including prep!) when you’re hangry
- One-pan wonder—minimal cleanup, maximum taste
- Healthy but indulgent—low-carb, high-protein, but tastes like a treat
- Party trick: serve as fancy appetizers or pile them on rice for a main
My favorite part? Watching guests’ faces when they realize something this good took less effort than microwaving a frozen meal.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Okay, let’s gather our simple but powerful ingredients – this is where the magic starts! You’ll need:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined – trust me, this size gives you that perfect juicy bite)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff – it helps get that gorgeous sear)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (salted or unsalted both work – I use whatever’s in my fridge)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is non-negotiable here – sorry garlic powder!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet – your choice for personality)
- ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, black pepper, and salt (our secret flavor trio)
- Wooden skewers (soak these in water for at least 30 minutes – unless you enjoy little charcoal sticks!)
See? Nothing fancy, just honest ingredients that transform into something extraordinary together. Now grab those skewers – let’s get soaking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—cooking these beauties! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and here’s my foolproof method:
- Prep your shrimp: First, pat those shrimp dry with paper towels (this is crucial—wet shrimp won’t sear properly). I like to lay them out on a tray and gently press with towels until they’re just barely damp.
- Mix the magic: In a big bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, melted butter, fresh garlic, and all those spices. Get in there with your hands—massage it all in like you’re giving the shrimp a spa treatment. They’ll love you for it.
- Skewer time: Thread about 4-5 shrimp onto each soaked wooden skewer (don’t overcrowd—they need breathing room!). Pro tip: Pierce each shrimp twice for stability—once near the tail, once up top.
- Heat it right: Crank your pan to medium-high and let it get properly hot (about 2 minutes). Test with a drop of water—if it sizzles violently, you’re golden.
- Sear to perfection: Cook skewers for 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for that gorgeous pink color and slight caramelization. Flip with tongs—and whatever you do, don’t walk away! Shrimp go from perfect to rubber in seconds.
- Serve immediately: Plate these while they’re piping hot. That garlic butter will be bubbling, and the smell? Absolutely intoxicating.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Here’s what I’ve learned through trial and (many) delicious errors:
- Fresh garlic is non-negotiable—no jars, no powder. That punchy raw flavor mellows into something magical when cooked.
- Preheat your pan properly—I wait until I see whisps of smoke. A hot pan = perfect sear without sticking.
- Undercook slightly—shrimp keep cooking off heat. When they’re almost opaque? That’s your cue to pull them.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Oh, the possibilities with these skewers! My favorite way? Plop them right over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice—those garlicky juices soak right in. For parties, arrange them on a platter with lemon wedges (squeeze right before eating—game changer!). Weeknight dinner? Toss them with a simple arugula salad—the peppery greens balance that rich butter perfectly. And don’t forget crusty bread for mopping up every last drop!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s be real – leftovers rarely happen with these skewers in my house! But if you’re lucky enough to have some, here’s how to keep them tasty. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it turns shrimp rubbery. Instead, toss them briefly in a hot pan (about 1 minute per side). They won’t be quite as perfect as fresh, but that garlic butter still makes them irresistible!
Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Now, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are just estimates based on my kitchen scale and calculator! Per serving (about 5-6 shrimp), you’re looking at:
- 260 calories – light enough for seconds!
- 30g protein – seafood power at its finest
- 14g fat (5g saturated) – mostly from that glorious garlic butter
- Just 2g carbs – perfect for low-carb days
Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? Your actual numbers might dance a bit depending on shrimp size and butter measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
After sharing this recipe with friends for years, I’ve heard every question under the sun about these garlic butter shrimp skewers. Here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often!
Can I grill these instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely! These skewers were born for the grill. Just preheat to medium-high (about 400°F) and cook 2-3 minutes per side. The smoky flavor takes them to another level – my favorite summer hack!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw them properly first. I put frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water for 5 minutes, then pat them super dry. Skipping this step leads to watery, less flavorful skewers.
Can I Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers Ahead of Time?
You can prep the shrimp in the marinade up to 2 hours ahead (refrigerated), but wait to skewer until right before cooking for best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
Ghee works beautifully for a richer taste, or use all olive oil for dairy-free. The flavor changes slightly, but still delicious!
How Do I Prevent Skewers from Burning?
Soak skewers for 30+ minutes and don’t crowd the pan – this keeps them from drying out and charring too fast.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my foolproof garlic butter shrimp skewers that never fail to impress! I can’t wait for you to experience that first bite of juicy shrimp swimming in garlicky goodness. Make them tonight, then come back and tell me – did they disappear as fast as they do in my house?
Print
20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers – Irresistible & Easy
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Quick and flavorful garlic butter shrimp skewers, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, melted butter, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Thread shrimp onto soaked skewers.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp skewers for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcook shrimp.
- Soak skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Pan-seared/Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg