This Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter is the ultimate combination of tender, succulent shrimp and a tangy, savory sauce that you’ll want to savor with every bite. The brightness of the lemon perfectly balances the richness of the garlic butter, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion.
The shrimp are lightly charred on the grill, adding a smoky flavor that enhances the freshness of the lemon. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or paired with a salad or rice, this easy-to-make recipe will become a go-to for your summer grilling sessions.
Full Recipe:
-
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
Zest of 1 lemon
-
Juice of 1 lemon
-
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions:
-
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
-
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
-
Thread the shrimp onto skewers or place them directly on the grill.
-
Brush the shrimp with the lemon garlic butter mixture on both sides.
-
Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and cooked through.
-
Remove from the grill and brush with additional lemon garlic butter.
-
Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with extra parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes
Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter
Grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter is a classic seafood dish that combines the succulent, smoky flavors of shrimp with the zesty and savory richness of garlic butter. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue, a family dinner, or even a special occasion. The combination of fresh shrimp and the tangy lemon-garlic butter sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a grill pan indoors, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll explore the history of grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter, preparation tips, serving ideas, and even some health benefits and variations you can try to make this dish your own.
The History of Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter
The history of grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter can be traced back to the rich culinary traditions of Mediterranean and coastal cuisines. Shrimp, one of the most popular shellfish around the world, has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, especially in regions where seafood is abundant. In Mediterranean cuisine, the use of fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus is common, making the lemon garlic butter sauce an ideal complement to shrimp.
While grilling shrimp itself has been a cooking method used by various cultures for centuries, the addition of garlic butter and lemon to enhance the flavor became more popular in the late 20th century. The simplicity of the ingredients—fresh shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon—combined with the ease of grilling made this dish an immediate hit in home kitchens and restaurants alike.
Today, grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter is a favorite in seafood restaurants and beachside eateries, as well as a go-to dish for casual home cooking. It perfectly captures the essence of summer dining with its bold yet refreshing flavors.
Preparation Tips for Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter
To achieve the perfect grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter, there are a few important preparation tips to keep in mind:
-
Choosing Fresh Shrimp: The key to a great grilled shrimp dish is the quality of the shrimp. Always opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp if possible. Look for shrimp that are firm, moist, and have a clean, ocean-fresh scent. If you’re buying frozen shrimp, ensure that they are properly thawed before grilling.
-
Peeling and Deveining: Before grilling, it’s essential to peel and devein the shrimp. This process removes the hard shell and the black vein that runs along the back, which can be gritty and unpleasant to eat. You can either remove the shells entirely or leave the tail on for a more elegant presentation.
-
Marinating: Although the garlic butter sauce is key to flavor, marinating the shrimp for a short period before grilling can enhance the dish even further. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of salt can work wonders in infusing the shrimp with flavor before grilling.
-
Grilling Temperature: When grilling shrimp, it’s important to ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat. The shrimp should cook quickly, usually 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough and rubbery, so be sure to watch them closely.
-
Brush with Garlic Butter: One of the best parts of this dish is the garlic butter sauce. Brushing the shrimp with the garlic butter mixture while they cook helps to keep them juicy and flavorful. Don’t forget to reserve some garlic butter to drizzle over the shrimp once they’re off the grill.
Serving Ideas for Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter
Grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter can be served in a variety of ways to suit any occasion. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your dish:
-
With Rice or Pasta: Serve the grilled shrimp over a bed of jasmine rice, wild rice, or pasta for a complete meal. The rich garlic butter sauce will coat the rice or pasta, making every bite full of flavor.
-
As an Appetizer: If you’re hosting a dinner party or barbecue, grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter makes an excellent appetizer. Serve the shrimp skewers alongside dipping sauces like tangy cocktail sauce, or simply provide lemon wedges for a fresh burst of citrus.
-
On a Salad: Add the grilled shrimp to a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal. A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of the shrimp.
-
In Tacos: For a more casual dish, serve the grilled shrimp in soft corn or flour tortillas with a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime. The garlic butter shrimp adds a unique twist to traditional taco fillings.
-
With Vegetables: Pair your grilled shrimp with grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. The smoky flavor of the grilled shrimp complements the natural sweetness of the veggies, making for a well-rounded dish.
Health Benefits of Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter
Shrimp is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. This seafood is rich in protein, low in calories, and contains a variety of important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine. These nutrients contribute to a healthy immune system, improve metabolism, and support brain health.
Garlic, another key ingredient in this dish, is known for its numerous health benefits. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve heart health, regulate blood pressure, and boost the immune system. The addition of fresh lemon juice provides a good dose of vitamin C, further supporting overall health.
However, the garlic butter sauce does contain butter, which adds fat and calories. To make this dish a little healthier, you can substitute the butter for olive oil or a lower-fat alternative while still maintaining a rich flavor profile.
Variations of Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter
While the classic grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter recipe is beloved by many, there are several ways to switch things up and experiment with different flavors:
-
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add a touch of heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the garlic butter sauce. This will give the shrimp a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the lemony flavor.
-
Herb Variations: Instead of just parsley, try adding other herbs to the garlic butter sauce. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can provide a different flavor profile and elevate the dish even further.
-
Citrus Twist: If you want to change up the citrus flavor, try using lime or orange juice in place of lemon. Lime will add a tangier kick, while orange juice will bring a slightly sweeter and more fragrant note to the shrimp.
-
Garlic Butter with Parmesan: For a richer and more indulgent version of this dish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp just before serving. The cheese will melt into the garlic butter sauce, adding an extra layer of savory goodness.
-
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: For a fun and interactive twist, thread the shrimp onto skewers before grilling. This makes them easy to serve at a party or BBQ, and the presentation looks stunning when served on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Conclusion
Grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by seafood lovers and casual diners alike. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a summer barbecue. The combination of tender shrimp, savory garlic butter, and zesty lemon is irresistible, and the dish can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or on a salad, grilled shrimp with lemon garlic butter is sure to become a family favorite.