Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Name: Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Skewers (wooden or metal)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers for summer barbecues or cozy dinners at home. The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and a hint of garlic creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. As I grill these skewers, the aroma fills the air and immediately makes my mouth water. They’re quick to prepare, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish, and are always a crowd-pleaser. The best part is that you can customize them with your favorite vegetables for added color and crunch!

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:25:10.563Z

When I first stumbled upon the combination of honey and garlic with shrimp, I knew I had to try it. The flavors meld beautifully, and I find that marinating the shrimp for just a short time really enhances the taste. I recommend using fresh shrimp for the best texture, and ain't nobody got time for overcooked seafood! Catching those little sugar highs on the grill is pure magic.

Another tip I've learned is to soak the skewers in water before grilling for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill and keeps your shrimp perfectly juicy. Plus, feel free to add chunks of bell peppers or zucchini to your skewers for a delightful twist. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Sweet and savory flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners
Versatile—add your favorite vegetables for a complete meal

      

The Importance of Marinade Time

Marinade time is crucial for achieving that deep flavor penetration in the shrimp. By allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes, the garlic, honey, and butter meld together, creating a sticky glaze that coats each shrimp beautifully. If you're in a rush, minimal marinating is still beneficial, but I recommend not going under 10 minutes to let the flavors develop. For best results, consider marinating for up to an hour if you have the time—just be cautious to not over-marinate, which can lead to a mushy texture.

Always place your marinated shrimp in the refrigerator, as this helps keep them fresh while they soak up those delicious flavors. Using a sealable plastic bag can make cleanup easier and ensures that every shrimp gets equal exposure to the marinade. If you’d like a more pronounced garlic taste, feel free to add an extra clove. Just remember, fresh garlic has a sharper bite than powdered garlic, so adjust according to your taste!

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Shrimp

When grilling shrimp, it’s essential to preheat the grill adequately to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F. This heat level helps sear the shrimp quickly, resulting in a beautiful caramelization for that sweet, smoky flavor. If your grill doesn’t get hot enough, the shrimp can become tough instead of tender, so make sure those coals or burners are working hard beforehand. You should also keep an eye on color changes; shrimp will turn from grey to pink and opaque as they cook.

Avoid overcooking your shrimp, as they can quickly become rubbery. Aim for just 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping them when the edges start to turn golden. Using a timer can help you stay on track. If you’re unsure, check one shrimp for doneness by cutting it in half; it should be opaque throughout with no translucency. Additionally, varying cooking times can occur based on shrimp size, so adjust appropriately if your shrimp are larger or smaller than average.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Skewers

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.

Marinate the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.

Assemble the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp.

Grill the Shrimp

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy them warm!

Pro Tips

For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade. You can also serve these skewers with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Customization and Variations

One of the best features of Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers is their versatility. You can easily add a rainbow of vegetables to your skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cut your vegetables into uniform pieces so they cook evenly alongside the shrimp. Toss them in the same marinade for a cohesive flavor experience, and remember to keep the cooking time similar for all ingredients.

Want to spice things up? Consider incorporating a touch of chili flakes or hot sauce in your marinade. This addition brings a wonderful heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey. Alternatively, you can experiment with citrus flavors—adding a splash of lime or lemon juice to the marinade can elevate the dish while balancing the sweetness. Don’t hesitate to play with herbs, too; fresh cilantro or basil can provide a fresh twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that shrimp may lose some of their juicy texture upon reheating. To reheat, gently warm them on low heat in a skillet with a touch of olive oil or butter for about 3-5 minutes until warmed throughout. Avoid using the microwave, as it can create rubbery shrimp and uneven cooking.

For meal prep enthusiasts, these skewers can be made ahead of time. Simply marinate your shrimp and vegetables the night before and store them in the refrigerator. When it’s time to cook, you can assemble the skewers and grill them on demand. Cooking them fresh right before serving not only preserves the flavor but also ensures that the shrimp remain tender, juicy, and a delight to enjoy!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

→ How long can I marinate the shrimp?

For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes to avoid changing the texture.

→ Can I use a different type of protein?

Absolutely! This marinade works well with chicken breast or fish fillets as well.

→ What side dishes go well with these skewers?

These skewers pair nicely with jasmine rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad.