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Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers: Best 15-Minute Dinner

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Juicy, garlicky shrimp skewers with a bright lemon kick, ready in 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, with simple pantry ingredients and a foolproof technique that prevents burnt garlic butter.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21–25 count)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large fresh lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden ones for 20 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Place in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once mostly melted, add the minced garlic and lemon zest. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just softened (do not let it brown). Set aside.
  3. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a little space between each. You should get about 4-5 skewers.
  4. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, until a drop of water sizzles on contact.
  5. Place the skewers in the hot pan in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip carefully with tongs. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until shrimp are pink and just cooked through (total 3-4 minutes for medium shrimp, 4-5 for large).
  6. During the last minute of cooking, drizzle the garlic butter over the skewers. Let it sizzle and coat the shrimp, using a spoon to baste any exposed spots.
  7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skewers right in the pan. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Give everything a gentle toss or baste one more time.
  8. Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Spoon any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp very dry to ensure proper searing. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Cook garlic over low heat to prevent burning. Add lemon juice at the very end to avoid toughening the shrimp. For best results, serve immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, shrimp skewers, easy dinner, 15-minute meal, seafood, weeknight dinner, grilled shrimp, lemon garlic shrimp

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