Description
This Grilled Shrimp Recipe features succulent large shrimp marinated in a buttery garlic and Cajun spice blend, then quickly grilled for a flavorful and easy seafood dish perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or 8 Tbsp)
- 4 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
- 1 Tbsp Cajun spice (provides light heat; it’s not too spicy)
- 1/2 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1/2 medium lemon)
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs large shrimp (21-25 count, uncooked, peeled and deveined)
- 12 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Prep the Skewers and Grill: Soak 12 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat around 400˚F.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small saucepan, combine the butter, garlic, Cajun spice, salt, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, then remove it from the heat.
- Divide Marinade: Pour half of the marinade into a ramekin to use for brushing later. Keep the remaining marinade warm in the saucepan for initial basting.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread 4 shrimp onto each soaked skewer, placing them tightly together without gaps. Place the skewers on a rimmed cookie sheet for easy handling.
- Initial Basting and Refrigeration: Brush one side of the shrimp skewers generously with the warm marinade and refrigerate for 2 minutes until the butter firms up. Flip and brush the other side, then refrigerate another 2 minutes until firm.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the preheated grill with the lid closed. Grill for about 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are completely opaque and cooked through but still tender. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
- Final Basting and Serve: Remove shrimp from the grill and brush them with the reserved marinade from the ramekin. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they turn rubbery quickly; shrimp cook very fast on the grill.
- If using salted butter, omit the additional salt in the marinade.
- You can double the marinade ingredients if you prefer extra buttery shrimp or need to baste more frequently.
- Serve with lemon wedges or over a bed of rice or salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (includes soaking skewers and marinade prep)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (grilling and refrigeration time included)
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
