Introduction
This delightful shrimp recipe combines the rich flavors of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs for a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a zesty squeeze of grilled lemon, the shrimp becomes even more vibrant and flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for an easy weeknight meal, these grilled shrimp skewers will surely impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
½ cup unsalted butter
1 shallot, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more, to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 ½ pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 lemons, halved
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish that brings out the natural flavors of shrimp while adding a bit of spice and zest. Perfectly grilled and garnished, it’s sure to be a favorite in your recipe collection!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the minced shallot, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, which should take about 2 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Thread 1 ½ pounds of medium shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined, onto skewers. Season the shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Brush 2 tablespoons of the melted butter mixture over the shrimp.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking of the shrimp.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Add the skewers of shrimp to the grill. Cook while turning occasionally until the shrimp have turned pink and opaque, which will take approximately 3-4 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, place the halved lemons on the grill, cut side down.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the grilled shrimp immediately. Drizzle the remaining butter mixture over the shrimp and garnish with the grilled lemons and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Ensure that the shrimp are cleaned properly by peeling and deveining them. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level. Keeping the grill clean can help achieve a nice sear on the shrimp. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Cook techniques
1. Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique where you cook food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium-high heat. In this recipe, the shallots and garlic are sautéed in unsalted butter to enhance their flavors before adding them to the dish.
2. Grilling
Grilling involves cooking food over an open flame or a heated grill surface. The shrimp are cooked on skewers on the grill, which gives them a delicious smoky flavor while ensuring they cook evenly.
3. Skewering
Skewering is the process of threading food onto a skewer, typically made of wood or metal. In this recipe, the shrimp are threaded onto skewers to make them easier to handle and grill.
4. Basting
Basting is a technique that involves brushing or spooning liquid over food as it cooks. The shrimp in this recipe are brushed with the butter mixture, adding flavor and moisture during the grilling process.
5. Grilling Citrus
Grilling citrus fruits like lemons enhances their sweetness and flavors. In this recipe, the lemons are added to the grill, cut side down, to caramelize and create a rich, tangy addition to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What can I substitute for shallots?
If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute them with a small onion or a few green onions for a similar flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish without red pepper flakes?
Yes, you can omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can use a different hot pepper or seasoning to add heat.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can sauté the shrimp in a skillet on the stovetop instead of grilling them. Cook them over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Can I use a different type of seafood?
Absolutely! This butter mixture works well with other types of seafood such as scallops or fish fillets. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of seafood you choose.
Conclusion
This delightful grilled shrimp recipe combines the richness of butter with the zing of garlic and lemon, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of red pepper flakes gives it a touch of heat, making it an unforgettable dish. Ideal for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress your guests or family.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
A similar garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with lobster tails, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a luxurious dish.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Add some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes on skewers, brushed with the same garlic butter for a vibrant side dish.
Spicy Garlic Chicken Skewers
Substitute shrimp with chicken breast cubes, marinated in the garlic butter mixture for a heartier option.
Citrus Grilled Fish
Use the same butter mixture to grill firm white fish such as halibut or swordfish, adding a citrus twist with the grilled lemons.
Garlic Butter Pasta
Toss cooked pasta with the leftover garlic butter mixture, adding parsley and a splash of lemon juice for a simple yet flavorful dish.
