There’s a unique magic in grilling shrimp outdoors—the way the flames kiss the seafood, sealing in smoky flavors while the buttery sauce melts into every crevice. These Cowboy Butter Shrimp Skewers transform a simple dinner into a celebration of bold, comforting tastes. Each skewer carries that perfect balance of garlic, lemon, and Cajun spices, inviting you to savor every bite.

Last summer, I found myself standing by the grill just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The air was warm, tinged with the scent of burning wood and fresh herbs. As the shrimp sizzled, the rich aroma of melted butter mingled with smoked paprika and garlic, wrapping around me. I could feel the anticipation growing with each brush of the buttery sauce, my mouth watering before the first taste. That moment—simple, smoky, and utterly delicious—reminded me why grilled shrimp can be so addictive. It’s not just a meal; it’s a snapshot of summer evenings and shared laughter.

Why You’ll Love It:
– Quick to prepare and grill, perfect for busy evenings or casual get-togethers.
– The buttery, smoky sauce adds layers of flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
– Cajun spices provide just the right amount of kick for a lively taste experience.
– Versatile enough to be paired with fresh salads, grilled veggies, or crusty bread.
– Skewers make it fun and easy to serve, eat, and impress without fuss.

If you’re a bit wary of grilling shrimp because they can dry out, this recipe’s butter basting technique keeps them juicy and tender every time. It’s like having that restaurant-quality experience right at home, minus the wait.

Cowboy Butter Shrimp Skewers

Print Recipe

Delicious and smoky Cowboy Butter Shrimp Skewers featuring juicy shrimp grilled to perfection and basted with a flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and Cajun spices. Perfect for a summer BBQ or quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in lemon juice, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Set aside half of the butter mixture for basting.
Thread the shrimp evenly onto the soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
Brush the shrimp generously with half of the prepared cowboy butter sauce.
Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill.
Grill the shrimp for 3-4 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved cowboy butter sauce halfway through cooking, until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with extra cowboy butter sauce on the side if desired.

FAQ:
How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill? Soaking the wooden skewers before threading the shrimp helps a lot, and a well-oiled grill grate makes turning them smoother.
Can I make the butter sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare the cowboy butter sauce in advance and keep it warm or reheat gently before grilling.
What sides pair well with these skewers? Think grilled corn, a crisp green salad, or garlic bread for a complete summer meal.
How many shrimp per skewer? About five or six shrimp fit nicely, making them easy to handle and evenly cooked.

Ready to bring those smoky, buttery flavors to your next meal? Grab your skewers and fire up the grill—the perfect shrimp dinner is just a few minutes away.