I’ve always believed that shrimp should come with a warning label: addictive when grilled. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight but feels fancy enough for a summer party. The smoky char of the grill meets the richness of garlic butter, and suddenly you’re wondering why you ever ordered takeout shrimp before. For anyone searching for Grilled Shrimp Dinner inspiration, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s one of those grilled shrimp recipes that makes you look like you’ve been practicing in secret, but really, it’s as simple as tossing shrimp in seasoning and letting the grill work its magic. If you’re like me and forever hunting for Shrimp Dinner Ideas that aren’t fussy, this is the keeper. Summer Shrimp Recipes always hit different when they’re kissed by smoke, and this one has become my go-to for backyard gatherings. Out of all my shrimp recipes, I’d say this one might just be the best shrimp recipe I’ve made—mainly because it requires so little effort for such a big payoff.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter Recipe
3) Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter
4) How to Make Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter
5) Tips for Making Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter
6) Making Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Shrimp grills fast and tastes best when cooked hot and quick.
Garlic butter adds richness without overwhelming the smoky flavor.
A squeeze of lemon brings brightness and balances the dish.
This recipe works as a quick dinner or an impressive party dish.

2) Easy Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter Recipe

I love shrimp because it’s fast to cook and never feels boring. The grill gives shrimp a smoky edge that no pan can copy. Add garlic butter and you have something bold but balanced. Shrimp doesn’t need much, and that’s the magic of it.

When I call this easy, I mean it. You mix oil, garlic, spices, and lemon. Toss the shrimp and grill them a few minutes. While they cook, the scent of garlic fills the air. That smell alone makes neighbors wonder what’s on your grill.

This is the kind of meal that feels like a reward. Whether you’re tired after work or cooking for friends, grilled shrimp recipes like this prove that simple food can be the most satisfying. The best part is watching the shrimp change from gray to pink right in front of you.

3) Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter

Shrimp: Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails left on. The tails give flavor and make the dish look sharp on the plate.

Olive Oil: Smooth and rich, it helps coat the shrimp and carries the garlic flavor evenly.

Garlic: Fresh and minced. It’s the soul of this recipe and gives depth to the butter glaze.

Kosher Salt: It seasons the shrimp inside and out. A pinch does the job.

Black Pepper: Adds sharpness and keeps the flavor balanced.

Smoked Paprika: A little smoke before the shrimp even hit the grill. It deepens the color too.

Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed juice wakes up the shrimp with a clean hit of acid.

Fresh Parsley: A final sprinkle of green that adds freshness.

Butter: Melted and brushed on at the end. It ties the garlic and shrimp together perfectly.

4) How to Make Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter

Step 1. Heat the grill to medium-high. You want the grates hot so the shrimp cook fast and don’t stick.

Step 2. Mix olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon juice in a bowl. The marinade looks simple but works wonders.

Step 3. Toss shrimp in the marinade until they shine. Let them sit a few minutes while the grill warms.

Step 4. Thread shrimp on skewers or place them straight on the grill. Skewers make them easier to flip but either way works.

Step 5. Grill shrimp two to three minutes on each side. They should turn pink with light char marks.

Step 6. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle parsley over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the mix of smoky and rich flavors.

5) Tips for Making Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter

Don’t walk away while shrimp cook. They change fast from perfect to overdone. Keep tongs in hand and watch the color shift.

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes first. That keeps them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers save time and last forever.

Butter is best added at the end. If you add it early, it may burn. Brushing it on right before serving keeps the flavor smooth.

6) Making Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter Ahead of Time

You can prepare the marinade ahead. Mix oil, garlic, paprika, and lemon in a jar and keep it chilled. Then, when it’s time to cook, toss the shrimp and grill.

If you must cook ahead, undercook the shrimp slightly. Reheat them gently in a skillet with butter so they don’t dry out.

This recipe works for meal prep too. Grill a batch, chill it, and enjoy cold shrimp in salads or wraps the next day. The flavor stays bright.

7) Storing Leftover Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. They keep well for up to three days. Reheat on low heat so they stay tender.

If you like cold shrimp, skip reheating and add them straight to a salad. The garlic butter still shines even when chilled.

For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp in freezer bags. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. The texture won’t be quite the same, but the flavor stays rich.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter