Description
This Lemon Garlic Broiled Shrimp Skewers recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy shrimp with a delicious caramelized lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfectly broiled to caramelized perfection, these shrimp skewers serve as an excellent appetizer or main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds extra-large shrimp (21/25), peeled and deveined, tails left on
- ¼ cup olive oil (for brushing skewers)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into 4 pieces)
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- ½ – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers and Oven: Use 4 to 6 metal skewers of 10 to 14 inches to hold the shrimp (avoid wooden skewers). Adjust oven rack to the highest position and preheat broiler.
- Prepare Shrimp: Rinse and pat dry shrimp thoroughly. Thread shrimp onto skewers by piercing both ends, so shrimp form consecutive ‘C’ shapes. It is fine if shrimp touch.
- Season Shrimp: Brush both sides of shrimp with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle one side of each skewer with sugar to promote caramelization.
- Make Lemon Garlic Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine butter, fresh lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and salt. Stir occasionally until butter melts and ingredients blend, about a few minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Add fresh parsley right before serving.
- Broil Shrimp: Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a lightly sprayed rack on top. Arrange shrimp skewers sugar side up on the rack. Broil until lightly charred, about 4 minutes.
- Flip and Broil Other Side: Using tongs or oven mitts, carefully flip skewers and broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are pink and slightly translucent but not fully cooked.
- Finish Cooking in Sauce: Remove shrimp from oven. Using tongs or a fork, slide shrimp off skewers directly into the skillet with lemon garlic sauce. Place skillet over medium-high heat and stir continuously for 30 seconds to 1 minute until shrimp turn opaque, bright pink, and are fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve shrimp hot with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp if desired. Enjoy your flavorful broiled shrimp with lemon garlic butter sauce!
Notes
- Use metal skewers to avoid burning under the broiler; wooden skewers are not recommended.
- Ensure shrimp form a ‘C’ shape when cooked — straight shrimp are undercooked; curling into an ‘O’ indicates overcooking.
- You can adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
- Add fresh parsley only at the end to retain its bright flavor and color.
- If using dried parsley, add it during melting butter step.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
