Crispy Grilled Shrimp (Prawns) with Lemon Butter Sauce is a delightful dish that perfectly balances crispy, succulent shrimp with a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce. This recipe is worth making for countless reasons: it’s incredibly easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. The step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process, ensuring that you create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Plus, the aroma of grilled shrimp sizzling over hot coals will invoke nostalgia and comfort, making it a perfect addition to your next family gathering or casual barbecue.

Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering Crispy Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

90g / 6 tbsp butter (unsalted): This creamy ingredient will bring a rich depth to your dish, perfect for creating that delightful sauce.
1/4 tsp salt: To enhance the flavors of the components.
3 tsp garlic (very finely chopped): Aromatic and robust, this ingredient is crucial for the sauce; avoid using a mincer for best results.
1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds that refreshing zing to your dish, making every bite burst with flavor.
500g / 1 lb large shrimp / prawns (raw, peeled, and deveined): Juicy, tender shrimp are the star of this dish, providing a satisfying textural contrast.
1 tsp garlic powder: To complement the fresh garlic and amplify that garlicky kick.
1 tsp smoked paprika: This brings a subtle smokiness and a lovely warmth to your shrimp.
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: Adds a hint of heat to balance the richness of the butter.
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, skip if using stove): A fresh squeeze of lemon just before serving elevates the flavor.
2 tbsp olive oil: Ensures that your shrimp don’t stick to the grill and helps in achieving a crisp exterior.
1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp pepper: For additional flavor seasoning.
1 lemon, halved (grilled if desired): Grilling this lemon intensifies its flavors, making it a fabulous side.
Lemon wedges or slices: For garnishing, adding a fresh and vibrant touch.
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley: This serves as a beautiful garnish, brightening up the dish’s presentation.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prep the Grill: Begin by brushing the BBQ grills with oil. Preheat them on high until they become very hot, creating the perfect conditions for achieving that coveted crispy texture.
Skewer the Shrimp (If Needed): If your shrimp are on the smaller side and might fall through the grills, skewer them using two skewers for stability.
Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. In this step, the butter should become just hot enough to cook the garlic.
Add Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped garlic and salt. Stir continuously until the garlic becomes LIGHT golden brown — be careful not to let it burn, as residual heat will continue to cook it.
Mix in Lemon Juice: Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and stir through the lemon juice for a bright and tangy flavor.
Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the garlic butter mixture and the remaining seasonings just before cooking.
Grill the Shrimp: Quickly place the shrimp on the BBQ grill, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for about two minutes on each side until they turn a perfect golden brown.
Serve Promptly: Remove the shrimp from the grill onto a serving plate and drizzle the remaining lemon garlic butter over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon for an extra zing. Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up that delicious butter!

Tips & Tricks

Garlic Timing: To ensure the garlic remains crispy, be vigilant once it starts to turn golden. As it cooks quickly, make sure to take it off the heat immediately to prevent burning.
Skewering Shrimp: Using two skewers will keep shrimp secure on the grill, allowing you to flip them without losing any on the grill grates.
Lemon Grilling: If you opt to grill the lemon halves, a few minutes on the grill will caramelize the sugars, creating a sweeter, richer taste that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Crispy Grilled Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens for a light meal. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with garlic bread or creamy risotto that will soak up the luscious lemon butter sauce. Additionally, a chilled white wine or sparkling beverage would complement this dish beautifully.

Nutritional Information

This Crispy Grilled Shrimp recipe yields about four servings. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, with a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and minimal carbohydrates thanks to the ingredients used. Keep in mind that balance in your diet is essential, so serve alongside veggies or grains to round out your meal plan.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store any leftover shrimp, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them quickly on the stove or in a microwave; however, be cautious with the microwave to prevent making them rubbery. For variations, you can experiment by adding different spices or using shrimp marinated in a variety of sauces, like soy or teriyaki, for an exciting twist on the classic flavor profile.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got the recipe for Crispy Grilled Shrimp (Prawns) with Lemon Butter Sauce, it’s time to go to the kitchen and try it for yourself! This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, perfect for casual gatherings or intimate dinners. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family, and let them know just how delightful this meal turned out!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve the best texture.
What’s the best way to know when shrimp are done?
Shrimp will turn from translucent to opaque and curl into a ‘C’ shape when fully cooked. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes per side on the grill.
Is it necessary to peel the shrimp?
While peeling adds a bit of convenience, it’s not essential. You can cook shrimp with the shells on for more flavor; just remember they’ll need to cool before they’re eaten.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh; however, you can prepare the garlic butter in advance and grill the shrimp just before serving.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can easily prepare this dish in a well-heated skillet on the stove or in the oven under a broiler for similar results.