Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers Recipe

There’s just something unmistakably festive about Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers—juicy shrimp kissed by flame, slicked in garlicky butter, and finished with fresh chives. They’re a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or making a simple weeknight treat. One bite of these smoky, buttery shrimp and you’ll understand why I keep this on heavy rotation whenever grilling season rolls around!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe’s magic comes from a super short ingredient list—each one plays a starring role. Fresh shrimp, aromatic garlic, creamy butter, and a touch of olive oil all work in harmony, letting the flavors shine bright against the smoky backdrop of the grill.

• Large Shrimp (1 pound, 16 to 20 count): Go for peeled and deveined shrimp for the quickest prep—larger shrimp stay juicy and don’t overcook on the grill.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A brief brush before grilling keeps the shrimp moist and prevents sticking, while adding fruity richness.
• Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Melted butter acts as the luscious base for your garlic basting sauce.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with bold, craveable aroma—don’t skimp here!
• Kosher Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Amplifies all the flavors and highlights the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Minced Chives (1 teaspoon, for garnish): Fresh chives add a brilliant pop of color and delicate oniony finish right before serving.

Variations

Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers are a perfect blank canvas! Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to suit your mood, dietary needs, or what you’ve already got in your pantry—it’s nearly impossible to go wrong here.

• Citrusy Zing: Add freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice to the garlic butter before basting for a bright, tangy note.
• Spicy Kick: Toss a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne into the melted butter if you like a little heat.
• Herby Twist: Mix in chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro for greens that suit your tastes or what’s in the garden.
• Mediterranean Style: Thread on cherry tomatoes or bell pepper chunks between shrimp for a colorful, veggie-packed skewer.

How to Make Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Start by setting up your grill for direct high heat, but make sure to leave one section without coals or flame—this cool zone helps you manage cooking if your shrimp are charring too quickly. Give your grill a quick brush to ensure nothing sticks!

Step 2: Thread the Shrimp

While the grill heats up, thread the peeled and deveined shrimp onto pre-soaked bamboo skewers (this step keeps them from burning). Start from the tail and thread through the middle and top, so the shrimp stay secure and cook evenly. Brush a little olive oil over both sides, then sprinkle with kosher salt—you’re already halfway to deliciousness.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Combine the butter and minced garlic in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap it until the butter is fully melted and the garlic is fragrant, usually about 30 seconds. If you prefer, melt it gently on the stovetop instead. This golden elixir is what makes Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

Arrange the skewers over direct heat, positioning the shrimp over the flames and the exposed skewer ends over the cool side. Let them sizzle for about 2 minutes per side—just until they turn pink and slightly charred in spots. Be sure to watch closely; shrimp cook crazy fast and you don’t want to overdo them!

Step 5: Baste and Serve

Slide the hot skewers onto a serving platter and baste generously with the warm garlic butter. Sprinkle chopped chives all over for a final flourish. Serve your Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers immediately—these are absolutely best piping hot from the grill!

How to Serve Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Garnishes

A shower of fresh minced chives adds color and gentle onion flavor, but you can also toss on chopped parsley, a drizzle of extra garlic butter, or a squeeze of lemon. For a vibrant finish, a little lemon zest or a sprinkle of smoked paprika really wakes up the plate!

Side Dishes

Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers love to share the stage with light, summery sides—think classic grilled corn, a bright tomato salad, couscous, or even a simple bowl of fluffy rice to soak up extra butter. Crusty bread is a non-negotiable if you’re a sauce mopper like me!

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive spread, serve your shrimp skewers over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes for a festive platter. You could also pile them onto a big wooden board picnic-style, or tuck the shrimp inside warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and chipotle mayo for a grill-inspired taco night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover skewers, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll keep nicely for 2 days. Just remove the shrimp from the skewers before cooling for easier storage and less chance of overcooking when you reheat.

Freezing

While I personally think Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers are at their very best fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using them in salads, pastas, or wraps.

Reheating

To gently reheat, place shrimp in a skillet over low heat with any leftover garlic butter, just until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts, but be careful not to let them go rubbery—shrimp only needs a minute or two at most!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to surprise your friends or simply want to treat yourself to something exceptional, Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers bring endless smiles, big flavor, and zero fuss. Once you taste that smoky char, buttery garlic, and burst of fresh herbs, you’ll be hooked—happy grilling, and let me know how yours turn out!

Print