Description
This Lemon Garlic Broiled Shrimp Skewers recipe is a quick, flavorful seafood dish featuring extra-large shrimp caramelized under the broiler and coated in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or salad topping, these shrimp are juicy, tender, and infused with fresh herbs and a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Shrimp Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds extra-large shrimp (21/25), peeled and deveined, tails left on
- ¼ cup olive oil for brushing skewers
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Lemon wedges for serving
Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 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 Oven and Shrimp: Adjust the oven rack to the highest position and turn on the broiler. Rinse and pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they char properly under the broiler.
- Thread Shrimp onto Skewers: Using 4-6 metal skewers (10-14 inch), thread shrimp one at a time, piercing each shrimp at both ends so they curve like a ‘C’. It’s okay for shrimp to touch but ensure secure threading. Avoid wooden skewers as they can burn under the broiler.
- Season Shrimp: Brush both sides of the shrimp generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then sprinkle one side of each skewer evenly with sugar to help caramelize under the heat.
- Prepare Lemon Garlic Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine butter pieces, 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 hold for adding parsley later.
- Broil Shrimp: Cover a rimmed baking sheet with tinfoil and place a wire rack coated with cooking spray on top. Arrange shrimp skewers sugar side up on the rack in a row. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook shrimp until lightly charred, about 4 minutes.
- Flip and Broil Other Side: Carefully flip each skewer using tongs or oven mitts. Broil the other side until shrimp turn pink and slightly translucent, about 1 to 2 minutes longer. They may not be fully cooked yet at this stage.
- Finish Cooking in Sauce: Remove shrimp from the oven and carefully lift skewers off the rack with oven mitts. Using tongs or a fork, slide shrimp off the skewers directly into the skillet with lemon garlic sauce. Place skillet over medium-high heat and stir continuously until shrimp are fully cooked—opaque and bright pink—about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add fresh minced parsley now.
- Check for Doneness: Shrimp should be in a perfect ‘C’ shape when cooked. Straight shrimp are undercooked; tightly curled into an ‘O’ means overcooked.
- Serve: Serve shrimp hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over. Enjoy these juicy, flavorful broiled shrimp as a standout appetizer, salad topper, or main dish.
Notes
- Use metal skewers to prevent burning under the broiler; avoid wooden skewers.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking for best caramelization.
- Sugar sprinkled on one side helps achieve a nice char and caramelized flavor.
- Broiling times may vary based on your oven’s broiler strength; watch shrimp carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh parsley brightens the sauce; if using dried parsley, add it during sauce cooking.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
