Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers

Name: Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound raw shrimp, (peeled and deveined ); ¼ cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons butter, (melted); ¼ cup cilantro, (chopped); 1 red chili, (seeded and sliced); 2 garlic cloves, (minced)

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Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers are a delectable dinner or cookout dish that feature large shrimp kabobs marinated in a delicious lemony, garlicy blend.

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This juicy shrimp recipe is one of our favorite recipes during the summer time, but you can cook these indoors any time you are craving jumbo shrimp cooked in a delicious shrimp marinade filled with fresh garlic, fresh lemon juice, and fresh shrimp.

This easy shrimp recipe is made by marinating fresh shrimp in a marinade and throwing them on the grill. This marinade is made with butter, garlic, cilantro, red chili, and lemon juice. The grill allows the flavors of the marinade to completely envelop the shrimp, proving to be a delicious, low carb, healthy meal.

You can make these Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers for a cookout, a side dish, or a main course. Using the larger shrimp can easily make this a complete meal enough to feed the whole family.

Cooking shrimp on your outdoor grill is the best way to make these grilled shrimp skewers, but if you do not have one or the weather isn’t friendly, you can easily make these indoors. Throw them on a baking sheet, sheet pan, or indoor grill pan to get similar results.

The lemon butter marinade is a great recipe, but this recipe can lay the framework for an endless possibility of variations. Change up some of the marinade ingredients to experiment with different flavors. Throw in Italian seasoning or swap out the cilantro for basil and make basil shrimp skewers. Get really creative and make sweet and sour shrimp!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

Bursting with flavor: Fresh lemon, garlic, and butter create a bright, savory finish.
Quick to make: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or grilling season.
Light and healthy: High in protein, low in carbs, and full of fresh herbs and citrus.
Versatile: Great for grilling, baking, or pan-searing if you don’t have a grill.
Crowd-pleasing: Perfect appetizer or main dish that feels special with minimal effort.

Ingredients to Make Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers:

raw shrimp. Use large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) for easy skewering and even cooking.
lemon juice. Adds brightness and tang that perfectly complements the buttery sauce.
butter. Creates a rich base and helps caramelize the shrimp slightly on the grill.
cilantro. Adds freshness, parsley can be substituted for a milder flavor.
red chili. Provides a touch of heat; adjust the amount based on spice preference.
garlic cloves. Enhances the savory depth of the lemon butter sauce; fresh garlic works best.

How to Make Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers:

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, melted butter, cilantro, red chili, and garlic.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Thread shrimp onto skewers, discarding excess marinade.
Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
Remove from the grill and brush lightly with any remaining melted butter.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges or over rice for a complete meal.

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Recipe Notes & Tips:

Marinate briefly: 10–15 minutes is enough, any longer can start to “cook” the shrimp in the lemon juice.
Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender.
Use fresh lemon juice: It makes a noticeable difference in flavor and brightness.
Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden ones, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Add veggies: Alternate shrimp with chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or onion for colorful skewers.
No grill? You can cook these on a grill pan or bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Make extra sauce: Double the butter and lemon mixture to drizzle over rice or veggies when serving.
Garnish tip: A sprinkle of extra cilantro or a squeeze of lemon right before serving enhances the freshness.

Serving Suggestions:

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated after freezing.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter or a splash of lemon juice to keep the shrimp tender.

FAQs:

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to help the sauce stick.

Can I cook these in the oven?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes or broil for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly crisp.

How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Brush the grill grates or pan lightly with oil before adding the skewers.

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