Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Looking for a quick and delicious seafood dish that’s perfect for grilling or baking? Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers are the ideal choice! These succulent shrimp are marinated in a rich garlic butter sauce and then grilled or baked to perfection. Perfect for summer barbecues, dinner parties, or a simple weeknight meal, these skewers are sure to impress. Did you know that shrimp is not only tasty but also low in calories and high in protein? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through making these flavorful skewers that everyone will love.
Ingredients List
To prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
- Combine Shrimp and Marinade: In a large bowl, add the shrimp and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes for best flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
- Soak Wooden Skewers (if using): If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp Skewers
- Preheat the Grill or Oven:
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- On the Grill: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- In the Oven: Place the skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Once cooked, remove the shrimp skewers from the grill or oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve the skewers warm with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per skewer (based on 4 skewers):
| Nutrient | Amount per Skewer |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 12g |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you’re looking to make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers a bit healthier, consider these modifications:
- Use Olive Oil: Substitute half of the butter with olive oil for a healthier fat option.
- Add Vegetables: Alternate shrimp with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes on the skewers for added nutrients.
- Reduce Salt: Use low-sodium butter or reduce the amount of salt to lower the sodium content.
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways:
- Appetizer: Serve as a finger food appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Main Course: Pair with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a full meal.
- Taco Filling: Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos with avocado and salsa.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
- Not Marinating Long Enough: For maximum flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Skipping the Soaking Step (for wooden skewers): Soaking wooden skewers helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers fresh:
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook.
- Avoid Freezing: It’s best to eat shrimp fresh, as freezing can affect their texture.
Conclusion
In summary, Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers are a delicious and easy seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their bold flavors and succulent texture, these skewers are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments or subscribe for more delicious updates!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and cooking.
Q2: What can I use instead of butter?
A2: You can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a lighter option.
Q3: Are these skewers gluten-free?
A3: Yes, shrimp are naturally gluten-free, and this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Combine Shrimp and Marinade: In a large bowl, add the shrimp and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
Marinate: Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes for best flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
Soak Wooden Skewers (if using): If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp Skewers
Preheat the Grill or Oven:
Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the Shrimp:
On the Grill: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
In the Oven: Place the skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish: Once cooked, remove the shrimp skewers from the grill or oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve: Serve the skewers warm with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.