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Having people over the weekend? Let me show you how to make a quick and easy Butter Smoked Shrimp recipe that is guaranteed to be a show stopper.  With just a few ingredients, this dish is rich with garlic and butter flavors that make for the perfect finger food.

Don’t forget to check out my Smoked Shrimp And Crab Meat Toast and Easy Smoked Stuffed Shrimp for more delicious shrimp recipe.

smoked shrimp covered in garlic and fresh parsley.

Prep the shrimp

This dish is not just about the amazing flavor but also about the visual appeal.  It’s all about the presentation. I like using jumbo shrimp. They are easier to work with and look much better. And I like to get them frozen. You read that right. I like frozen shrimp. I know that they were frozen right when they were harvested and were fresh. The fresh shrimp in the case, on the other hand, can be questionable. Defrost them according to the instructions on the bag.

Start off by removing the shells from the jumbo shrimp. I leave the tail on, it’s a built in handle making them easier to grab and eat. Next, in a cast iron skillet, line the shrimp side by side around the inside. If you have more shrimp, add a second layer that starts at the center of the skillet instead of the outer layer.  Look how beautiful that looks!

Raw shrimp lined in a cast iron skillet.

How to make the butter garlic sauce

This sauce is the what makes this recipe so great. In a mixing bowl, add 2 sticks of melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt and crushed red peppers. Mix everything together, making sure it’s well incorporated.

Dad’s Seasonings

Must have grillin seasonings!

Now, take that buttery sauce and pour it over the shrimp. Make sure to coat them evenly throughout the skillet and don’t forget any leftover pieces of garlic or crushed red peppers. Be sure to use everything that’s in your mixing bowl. If you like your shrimp spicy, take a look at my Grilled Shrimp With a Spicy Mayo Sauce!

Butter and garlic mixture being poured over the shrimp in a cast iron skillet.

How to grill the shrimp

Heat up the grill to 250 degrees and setup for indirect heat.  Place the cast iron skillet on the grates and close the lid. Shrimp cooks fast, having the grill temperature low and using the indirect heating method allows for the shrimp to get that nice and smoky flavor on top of the richness of the butter and garlic. Check the shrimp after 15 minutes. They will be ready when they are no longer transparent and are pale red in color.

Remove the skillet from the grill and bring it inside. Just like with any other protein, you have to let them rest for 5-10 minutes. For the final presentation, keep the butter smoked shrimp in the cast iron skillet.  Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Cooked shrimp covered in garlic and fresh parsley.
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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this in the oven?

Absolutely! Follow the same temperature and time as in the recipe. If you make it in the oven, the shrimp won’t have that smokey flavor but they will still be delicious.

How can I tell when the shrimp are cooked?

When shrimp are cooked, they will no longer be transparent and they will start to turn a pale red/pink color. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. They are done when whey reach 140 F degrees.

Other Grilled Shrimp Recipe Ideas:

If you tried this Butter Smoked Shrimp or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the📝 comments. I love hearing from you!

4.48 from 19 votes

Butter Smoked Shrimp

Let me show you how to make a quick and easy butter smoked shrimp recipe that is guaranteed to be a show stopper. 
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 People

Ingredients 

  • 2 lbs Jumbo shrimp
  • 2 sticks Unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp Minced garlic
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tsp Crushed red peppers
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 Lemon, juiced
  • 1 bunch Parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions 

  • Preheat the grill to 250 degrees and set for indirect heat.
  • In a mixing bowl, add 2 sticks of melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt and crushed red peppers. Mix the ingredients well.
  • Remove shells from the shrimp, leaving on the tails.
  • In a cast iron skillet, line the shrimp side by side around the inside.
  • Pour the butter sauce over the shrimp.  Make sure to coat them evenly throughout the skillet.
  • Place the cast iron skillet with the shrimp on the grates and close the lid.
  • Cook until the shrimp are no longer transparent and are a pale red color. Approximately 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from the grill, bring it inside, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  • Top the shrimp with fresh squeezed lemon juice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use jumbo shrimp for best results. They are easier to work with and will create a better final dish.
  • Check your butter and make sure it’s unsalted. We add salt to the mix and you don’t want to start with a salted butter. 

Nutrition

Calories: 571kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 409mg | Sodium: 1377mg | Potassium: 299mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 2068IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Maciek

I make easy meals that anyone can replicate at home. I’m not a professionally trained chef, just your average guy that likes to fire up the grill. So follow along and see what’s cooking today!

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4.48 from 19 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




11 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These were gone in about 2 minutes. Everyone loved the flavor and spice, I loved how easy it was to make for a large group!

  2. 4 stars
    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.

    I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your
    useful information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

  3. 3 stars
    Hello! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.
    I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new
    updates.

  4. 5 stars
    I made these shrimp as an appetizer and they were a big hit. It’s hard to find something this easy that is also this good