You've probably encountered garlic butter shrimp in various forms, but have you tried them on skewers? This simple yet elegant dish combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with succulent shrimp, all conveniently served on a stick. It's a versatile option that can elevate your dining experience, whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner. While the concept seems straightforward, there's more to these skewers than meets the eye. From their origins to the perfect cooking techniques, you'll soon discover why this dish has become a favorite among seafood enthusiasts and home cooks alike.
Key Takeaways
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers feature succulent shrimp grilled with a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- The dish requires only five ingredients: shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
- Preparation involves threading shrimp onto skewers and brushing with garlic butter before grilling.
- Cooking time is quick, typically 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Serve immediately after grilling, paired with salads or vegetables for a complete meal.
History
The origins of garlic butter shrimp skewers can be traced back to coastal cuisines around the world. You'll find similar dishes in Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American cultures, where seafood has long been a staple. The combination of garlic and butter with seafood dates back centuries, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe.
In the Mediterranean, you'll discover dishes like Italian scampi and Greek saganaki, which feature shrimp cooked in garlic and olive oil. These dishes likely influenced the development of garlic butter shrimp skewers.
Asian cuisines, particularly those of Southeast Asia, have contributed their own versions, often incorporating local herbs and spices like lemongrass or ginger.
The use of skewers for grilling has ancient roots, with evidence of their use dating back to prehistoric times. This cooking method has persisted due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
As global culinary traditions merged and evolved, the garlic butter shrimp skewer emerged as a popular dish, combining the best elements of various coastal cuisines. Today, you'll find this versatile recipe enjoyed worldwide, from backyard barbecues to upscale restaurants.
Recipe
Garlic butter shrimp skewers are a delectable and straightforward dish that's perfect for summer grilling or quick weeknight meals. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, resulting in a mouthwatering entrée that's sure to impress.
With just five ingredients, this simplified version of garlic butter shrimp skewers is accessible to cooks of all skill levels. The dish comes together quickly, making it an excellent option for busy evenings or last-minute entertaining.
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers, then generously brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. While grilling, brush the shrimp with any remaining garlic butter mixture to enhance the flavor.
For best results, be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
This dish can also be prepared in the oven by broiling the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side. Serve the garlic butter shrimp skewers immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Steps
To prepare these mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp skewers, you'll start by preheating your grill or pan and mixing the butter with seasonings.
Next, you'll thread the shrimp onto skewers and brush them generously with the flavorful mixture.
Step 1. Preheat Grill or Pan
Preheating your grill or grill pan is a crucial first step in making perfect garlic butter shrimp skewers.
You'll want to set your grill or pan to medium-high heat, allowing it to warm up thoroughly before you start cooking. This ensures that your shrimp will cook evenly and develop a nice sear without overcooking.
For a gas grill, turn on all burners to medium-high and close the lid. Let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes.
If you're using a charcoal grill, light the coals and wait until they're covered with a light layer of ash, which typically takes 20-30 minutes.
For a grill pan on the stovetop, place it over medium-high heat and let it warm up for 3-5 minutes.
You can test if it's hot enough by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface; they should sizzle and evaporate quickly.
Step 2. Mix Butter and Seasonings
The next crucial step in preparing your garlic butter shrimp skewers is mixing the flavorful sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter with 3 cloves of minced garlic. The butter should be fully melted but not too hot, as you don't want to cook the garlic prematurely.
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the mixture, which will brighten the flavors and complement the richness of the butter. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of salt to enhance the overall taste profile.
Using a whisk or fork, thoroughly blend these ingredients until they're well incorporated. The resulting mixture should be smooth and homogeneous, with the garlic evenly distributed throughout the butter.
This garlic butter sauce will serve as the primary flavoring agent for your shrimp, so it's essential to achieve the right balance of flavors. Once you've mixed the sauce to your satisfaction, set it aside momentarily.
You'll use this mixture to brush onto the shrimp before and during grilling, ensuring each skewer is infused with delicious garlic butter goodness.
Step 3. Thread Shrimp Onto Skewers
Threading shrimp onto skewers is a quick and easy process that'll prepare your dish for grilling. Start by selecting sturdy skewers, either metal or pre-soaked wooden ones, to prevent burning.
Take your peeled and deveined shrimp and thread them onto the skewers, piercing each shrimp twice to keep them secure. You'll want to leave a small space between each shrimp to ensure even cooking.
For uniform cooking, try to use shrimp of similar size on each skewer. As you thread, make sure the shrimp are straight and not curved, which will help them cook evenly. Aim for about 4-5 large shrimp per skewer, depending on their size and the length of your skewers.
Once you've threaded all the shrimp, place the skewers on a clean plate or tray. At this point, you can brush them with the garlic butter mixture you've prepared. Be sure to coat both sides of the shrimp generously, as this will enhance the flavor and help prevent sticking to the grill.
Your shrimp skewers are now ready for grilling or broiling.
Step 4. Brush Shrimp With Mixture
Brushing shrimp with the garlic butter mixture is a crucial step that infuses the seafood with flavor. Once you've threaded your shrimp onto skewers, it's time to apply the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Take your prepared mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt, and grab a basting brush. Hold each skewer over a plate to catch any drips, and generously coat both sides of the shrimp with the mixture.
Be sure to cover every part of the shrimp, paying special attention to the areas between each piece. This ensures that every bite will be packed with garlicky, buttery goodness.
Don't worry if some of the mixture pools on the plate; you'll use this for basting during cooking. If you're working with a large batch of skewers, you may need to periodically stir the mixture to keep the ingredients well combined.
Step 5. Grill Skewers Until Shrimp Pinkens
With your shrimp skewers brushed and ready, it's time to fire up the grill. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it's hot enough to cook the shrimp quickly without drying them out.
Once the grill is ready, carefully place your skewers on the grates, leaving some space between each for even cooking. You'll want to grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn a lovely pink color and are cooked through.
As you're grilling, keep a close eye on the shrimp to prevent overcooking. They'll curl slightly as they cook, which is normal. If you have any leftover garlic butter mixture, brush it onto the shrimp while they're grilling for an extra boost of flavor.
Use tongs to flip the skewers gently, ensuring all sides are evenly cooked. You'll know the shrimp are done when they're opaque throughout and have a slight char on the edges. Remember, it's better to slightly undercook than overcook, as shrimp can quickly become tough and rubbery if left on the heat too long.
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter shrimp skewers offer a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor. You'll find that this dish isn't only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various occasions.
Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are sure to impress your guests or family members. The key to success lies in not overcooking the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on them as they grill, and you'll be rewarded with perfectly tender, juicy shrimp bursting with garlicky goodness.
Don't hesitate to experiment with additional seasonings or marinades to suit your taste preferences. You might try adding herbs like parsley or cilantro, or even a touch of heat with red pepper flakes.
