There’s something about shrimp on skewers sizzling over the grill that instantly transports me to a warm summer evening with friends gathered around, laughter filling the air. The aroma of garlic and smoked paprika mingles with the fresh outdoor breeze, teasing your taste buds before a single bite. When the skewers come off the heat, glossy with a rich cowboy butter sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley, it’s a moment to savor—a simple yet unforgettable joy.
I remember the first time I tried these shrimp skewers. The buttery, smoky flavors clung to each tender bite, and the slight kick from cayenne pepper lingered just long enough to keep me reaching for more. The juicy shrimp paired perfectly with the charred edges from the grill, creating a harmony of textures and tastes. It was one of those meals that felt effortless to make but deeply satisfying, the kind that turns an ordinary evening into something special.
- Quick to prep and cook, ideal for weeknight meals or weekend barbecues.
- Bold, layered flavors from smoky paprika, garlic, and chili powder complement the natural sweetness of shrimp.
- Versatile enough to pair with fresh salads, grilled veggies, or crusty bread.
- The cowboy butter sauce adds richness that keeps the shrimp juicy and flavorful.
- Easy to customize with your preferred spice levels for a personalized touch.
If you’re new to grilling shrimp or using skewers, don’t worry. The recipe guides you through a straightforward process that ensures juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp every time. Plus, the marinade does all the heavy lifting in flavor, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
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Cowboy Butter Shrimp Skewers
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Juicy shrimp marinated and grilled to perfection, then brushed with a rich, flavorful cowboy butter sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create the cowboy butter sauce.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
Thread the shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until shrimp turn pink and slightly charred.
Flip the skewers and brush generously with additional cowboy butter sauce. Grill for another 3-4 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.
Remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and brush once more with the remaining cowboy butter sauce.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp skewers before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure the sauce clings well.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook these skewers under a broiler or on a grill pan indoors. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking.
How long can I store leftovers?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these shrimp skewers stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Can I make the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before use for best results.
Ready to bring that smoky, buttery shrimp magic to your table? Grab your skewers and fire up the grill—these Cowboy Butter Shrimp Skewers are waiting to become your new go-to for easy, flavorful meals.