Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Juicy grilled shrimp are one of the quickest and most flavorful meals you can make on the grill. This Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe combines large shrimp with melted butter, garlic, and handcrafted smoked seasonings to create a light, smoky dish that's perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. Seasoned with Hickory Smoked Lemon Peppercorn and Hickory Smoked Sea Salt, these shrimp develop a bright citrus flavor balanced by rich wood-smoked depth that complements seafood beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients and quick cooking make this recipe a backyard favorite.

You'll love it because it:

• Is ready in under 30 minutes
• Uses only a handful of ingredients
• Delivers juicy, flavorful shrimp every time
• Features bright citrus and subtle smoky flavor
• Is perfect for grilling season
• Pairs with countless side dishes

Why These Seasonings Work

Shrimp cooks quickly and has a naturally sweet, delicate flavor. Hickory smoke adds depth without overpowering it, while the citrus notes in our Hickory Smoked Lemon Peppercorn brighten every bite. Combined with butter and garlic, these seasonings create restaurant-quality grilled shrimp with very little effort.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Butter Seasoning

• In a small bowl combine:
• Melted butter
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Garlic powder
• Hickory Smoked Lemon Peppercorn
• Hickory Smoked Sea Salt
• Whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

• Thread the shrimp onto skewers, piercing each shrimp twice to keep them secure while grilling.
• Brush both sides generously with the seasoned butter mixture.

Step 4: Grill

• Preheat your grill to 400–450°F.
• Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn opaque with light grill marks.
• Avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Finish

• Brush with any remaining butter mixture immediately after removing from the grill.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Cooking Science

Shrimp cook extremely quickly because of their small size and delicate proteins. Overcooking causes the proteins to tighten, resulting in rubbery shrimp. Butter helps carry the flavors of the garlic and smoked seasonings while promoting light browning on the grill. The lemon in the seasoning blend brightens the shrimp without requiring a long marinade, making this recipe both quick and flavorful.

What to Serve with Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These shrimp pair perfectly with:

• Smoked Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Loaded Baked Potatoes
• Cowboy Potatoes
• Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
• Creamy Wild Mushroom Risotto
• Fresh Garden Salad
• Grilled Vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Fully thaw and pat dry before seasoning.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn opaque and curl into a loose "C."

Can I cook these in a grill pan?

Absolutely. A grill pan or cast iron skillet works well if outdoor grilling isn't an option.

Should I marinate the shrimp?

This recipe doesn't require a long marinade. The seasoned butter adds plenty of flavor while allowing the shrimp to remain tender.

What size shrimp works best?

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and are easier to thread onto skewers.

Join The Smoky Flavor Club

Love great food? Join the Smoky Flavor Club and receive delicious recipes, grilling tips, seasonal cooking inspiration, new product announcements, and exclusive updates from The Original Cold Smoked—delivered right to your inbox.

No spam. Just great recipes, grilling inspiration, and smoky flavor.