Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 3 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Zest of 1/2 lemon; 1 tablespoon finely-chopped fresh parsley; Lemon wedges (for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 55 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and quick to prepare, this Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe is your next culinary best friend. Imagine succulent shrimp kissed by smoky grill marks, glazed in a luscious lemon garlic butter that’s bright, buttery, and just the right touch of garlicky goodness. It’s a perfect balance of zesty freshness and rich indulgence that makes every bite sing. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe brings both ease and elegance straight to your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl in the bottom center filled with raw shrimp that are pale gray with darker tail tips, arranged loosely with some tails pointing outward. Above the bowl, there is a white plate holding several lemon wedges and halved lemons, with one lemon half being squeezed by a wooden reamer. To the left, a small white dish contains peeled garlic cloves, some still attached to a partial bulb. Around the lemons and shrimp are small white measuring spoons holding salt, black pepper, and red paprika, along with a small bowl of light yellow oil and a bowl of golden melted butter. On the right side, fresh green parsley adds a pop of color. The background and surface have a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role whether to build flavor, add brightness, or ensure the shrimp stay tender and juicy on the grill.

1 pound large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of the show—choosing large shrimp ensures a meaty, satisfying bite.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted for that rich, silky texture that perfectly coats every shrimp.
3 cloves garlic: Finely minced to infuse an aromatic punch that complements the lemon beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a hint of color to the marinade.
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Offers a gentle heat and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Delivers bright, tangy notes that balance the richness of the butter.
Zest of 1/2 lemon: For an extra layer of citrus aroma and a burst of sharp flavor.
1 tablespoon finely-chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, green finish and a pop of color.
Lemon wedges: For serving, so guests can add a fresh squeeze of citrus if they’d like.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe

The image shows four separate stages of preparing shrimp on skewers. The top left is a white bowl with reddish sauce filled with small bits, a silver whisk is stirring the sauce, a woman's hand is holding the whisk. The top right is a white bowl with raw shrimp inside, the shrimp are gray and white with tails on, and a silver spoon drizzles the reddish sauce on them. The bottom left is a white plate filled with shrimp on metal skewers, the shrimp are raw with some reddish sauce on them. The bottom right is a black grill pan with skewered shrimp cooked to a pink-orange color and char marks on the shrimp. All images have a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Grill and Skewers

Start by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat, creating the perfect surface for those shrimp to sizzle. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand so they don’t burn while grilling—this simple step makes a big difference in the cooking process!

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, finely minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. This luscious mixture is where all the magic happens, marrying brightness with buttery richness and a hint of smokiness.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour about two-thirds of your lemon garlic butter over them. Toss everything gently to make sure every shrimp is evenly coated. Letting them sit for a few minutes helps the flavors soak in deeply while you prep the skewers.

Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp

Thread the shrimp onto the skewers by piercing them near the tail and head so they lay flat. This makes grilling easier and ensures even cooking, plus the shrimp look fantastic when plated straight from the skewer.

Step 5: Grill

Place your skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know the shrimp are ready when they turn pink, are fully opaque, and have those delightful grill marks that add a hint of char and smoky aroma. Resist the urge to overcook—they’ll stay juicy with this timing!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Transfer the grilled shrimp to a serving platter and drizzle the remaining lemon garlic butter over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Sprinkle generously with finely chopped fresh parsley and add fresh lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over at will. Serve warm for a truly irresistible experience.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a lovely herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich butter sauce. A few lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to personalize their bites with zesty citrus, elevating the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This grilled shrimp recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think garlic butter rice to soak up every bit of sauce, a crunchy garden salad, or even grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to echo the smoky notes of the shrimp.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the shrimp right on the skewers for an informal, festive vibe at your table, or arrange them atop a bed of creamy polenta or herbed couscous for a more elegant presentation. You can even toss the grilled shrimp into a vibrant pasta for a light, summery dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover grilled shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep that luscious lemon garlic butter flavor intact, drizzle a little bit of extra melted butter over them before sealing the container.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your cooked shrimp, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 1 to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of lemon garlic butter or olive oil to keep them from drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain that tender, juicy texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper grilling.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this recipe indoors?

You can! Use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to get those lovely char marks and seal in flavor. The method stays pretty much the same.

How long should I marinate the shrimp for?

This recipe doesn’t require a long marination. About 10 to 15 minutes is perfect to soak in the lemon garlic butter without making the shrimp soggy or mushy.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the lemon garlic butter will give the shrimp a wonderful kick that pairs nicely with the citrus and butter.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s a great option for meal prepping because the shrimp are fast to grill and reheat well. Just store the sauce separately and add fresh parsley when serving to keep it vibrant.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe enough if you’re craving something quick, elegant, and packed with flavor. The combination of lemon, garlic, butter, and perfectly grilled shrimp creates a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh. Next time you want something impressive but simple, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need