How to Make the Perfect Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lime Butter
American Coastal · Easy · 23 min · 4 servings
These grilled shrimp skewers cook in just minutes over high heat and get basted in a bright garlic lime butter that caramelizes into a glossy coating on the grill. They are the fastest and most crowd-pleasing dish you can pull off at any outdoor cookout.
Why this recipe works
This Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lime Butter recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 23 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 240 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined tails on
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 whole lime zested and juiced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 8 pieces metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp and Butter
Thread the shrimp onto skewers through both the head and tail end to keep them from spinning when turned. Melt butter and stir in minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, and smoked paprika to make the basting butter. Set aside half of the butter for serving and use the other half for grilling.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to high heat, around 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrub the grates clean and oil them well since shrimp can stick easily at high temperatures. High heat is important because shrimp cook very quickly and need a proper char before they overcook.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp Skewers
Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill grate. Brush the top side with garlic lime butter. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and slightly charred on the edges. Brush with more butter immediately after flipping.
Step 4: Serve with Reserved Butter
Remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the reserved garlic lime butter over the top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and extra lime wedges on the side. Serve immediately as shrimp do not hold well after cooking.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- unsalted butter → coconut oil for a dairy-free option that still promotes browning and adds a subtle tropical note
- large shrimp → jumbo sea scallops which grill beautifully in the same time and absorb the garlic lime butter just as well
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the shrimp past the point when they curl into a tight C shape which makes them rubbery and tough
- Not oiling the grill grates which causes the shrimp to tear apart when you try to flip the skewers
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 240 calories, 28g protein, 4g carbs, 12g fat, 0g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →