Crispy Grilled Shrimp (Prawns) with Lemon Garlic Butter

Description:
Juicy, smoky, and loaded with flavor, Crispy Grilled Shrimp (Prawns) with Lemon Garlic Butter is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Perfectly charred shrimp with a buttery, garlicky glaze makes for an irresistible dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Imagine This: The Perfect Bite of Grilled Shrimp

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine biting into a plump, crispy shrimp. It’s slightly smoky from the grill, bursting with citrusy freshness, and dripping with a golden lemon garlic butter sauce. The moment it touches your taste buds, you’re transported to a sunny barbecue, with family or friends gathered around, savoring every bite.

This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re grilling outdoors on a summer evening or cooking indoors on a stovetop, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details and get you grilling!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or romantic meals.
• Versatile: Works on a grill, stovetop, or even in the oven.
• Healthy and Delicious: Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients.
• Restaurant-Quality: Looks and tastes like something from a high-end seafood restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients to make this dish:

Lemon Garlic Butter

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Unsalted Butter	90g / 6 tbsp	Adds rich, creamy flavor.
Salt	¼ tsp	Enhances the butter’s flavor.
Garlic	3 tsp, chopped	Fresh garlic is essential (not minced).
Lemon Juice	1 ½ tbsp	Freshly squeezed for the best taste.

Shrimp/Prawns

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Large Shrimp/Prawns	500g / 1 lb	Peeled and deveined for convenience.
Garlic Powder	1 tsp	Adds depth to the seasoning.
Smoked Paprika	1 tsp	Use sweet paprika as an alternative.
Cayenne Pepper	¼ tsp	Optional, for a hint of heat.
Lemon Juice	1 tbsp	Skip if cooking shrimp on the stove.
Olive Oil	2 tbsp	Helps create a crispy, charred exterior.
Salt and Pepper	½ tsp and ¼ tsp	For perfectly balanced seasoning.

Serving (Optional)

Ingredient	Notes
Lemon, halved	Grilling enhances its sweetness.
Lemon wedges/slices	For squeezing over the shrimp.
Chopped parsley	Adds freshness and color.
Crusty bread	Perfect for soaking up the butter.

How to Make Crispy Grilled Shrimp (Prawns) with Lemon Garlic Butter

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill

• Brush your barbecue grills with oil to prevent sticking.
• Preheat the grill on high heat until it’s very hot. If your shrimp are small, use skewers to prevent them from falling through the grates. Pro tip: use two skewers per set to make flipping easier.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter

• Melt 90g (6 tbsp) butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add 3 tsp of finely chopped garlic and ¼ tsp of salt. Stir until the garlic turns a light golden brown. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately to prevent the garlic from burning (the residual heat will finish cooking it).
• Stir in 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice and set the butter aside.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will cook up crispier.
• Place the shrimp in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
• Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and toss gently to coat. If grilling, add 1 tbsp of lemon juice to enhance the smoky flavor.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

• Place the shrimp on the hot grill and cook for 2 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden with a slight char and are opaque in the center.
• Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate immediately.

Step 5: Drizzle with Butter and Serve

• Drizzle the lemon garlic butter over the hot shrimp.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with grilled lemon halves for squeezing over the shrimp. Don’t forget the crusty bread for mopping up the butter—it’s a must!

Cooking on a Stovetop (Alternative Method)

No grill? No problem! Here’s how you can make this recipe on your stovetop:

1. Heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil.
2. Place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate, drizzle with lemon garlic butter, and serve as directed.

Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp

1. Use Fresh Shrimp: The fresher your shrimp, the better the flavor. Frozen shrimp work too—just thaw them completely before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
3. Dry Your Shrimp: Patting them dry ensures a crispy, golden exterior.
4. High Heat Is Key: Whether grilling or using a skillet, cook shrimp over high heat for the best charred results.
5. Taste Test the Butter: Adjust the lemon and salt levels to your preference.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (6 shrimp)
Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	20g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	3g
Sodium	600mg
Vitamin C	15% of daily value

Perfect Pairings for Your Grilled Shrimp

• Side Dishes:
  • Garlic butter rice
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Fresh garden salad
• Drinks:
  • A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
  • Sparkling lemonade
  • Iced tea with a hint of mint

FAQ About Crispy Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking.

2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version.

4. How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a loose “C” shape.

5. Can I use this recipe for other seafood?

Definitely! This recipe works well with scallops, lobster tails, or even firm fish fillets.

6. Can I bake the shrimp instead of grilling?

Yes! Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through.

Make Crispy Grilled Shrimp Tonight!

There’s something magical about Crispy Grilled Shrimp (Prawns) with Lemon Garlic Butter—the smoky char, the buttery richness, and the zesty citrus flavors all come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking in your kitchen, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some fresh shrimp, fire up your grill, and treat yourself to a dish that tastes like summer on a plate.

Print