Prepare your taste buds for a truly divine seafood experience with these Grilled Royal Red Shrimp with Lemony Garlic Butter! Royal Reds, known for their naturally sweet, lobster-like flavor and tender texture, are grilled to perfection and then generously bathed in a bright, zesty, and aromatic lemon-garlic butter. This dish is an absolute dream for seafood lovers, incredibly quick to prepare, and perfect for summer cookouts, special dinners, or any time you crave a taste of the ocean’s finest.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of dishes that highlight the natural sweetness of seafood, and Royal Reds are truly a treasure. What I absolutely adore about this recipe is how it lets the inherent sweetness and tender texture of the Royal Red shrimpshine through, perfectly complemented by the bright, zesty lemon and aromatic garlic butter. The grilling adds a subtle smoky char that enhances the flavor without overpowering it. It feels incredibly gourmet and luxurious, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare in minutes. Plus, the minimal cleanup means more time to savor this decadent, fresh-off-the-grill delight!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Royal Red shrimp, peeled and deveined (or other large, sweet shrimp)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tbsp)
- Zest of ½ lemon (about ½ tsp, optional for extra brightness)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
Swaps and Notes
- Royal Red Shrimp: These are highly recommended for their distinct sweet, almost lobster-like flavor and tender texture. If you can’t find Royal Reds, use large or jumbo wild-caught shrimp (like Gulf shrimp) that are known for their sweet flavor. Ensure they are peeled and deveined.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred as it’s the star of the sauce. Salt can be adjusted separately.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best pungent, aromatic flavor for the butter sauce.
- Lemon Juice/Zest: Fresh lemon juice is crucial for brightness and tang. Lemon zest adds extra aromatic citrus notes.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely color and herbaceous finish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth that complements the shrimp and garlic butter.
- Doneness: Shrimp cooks very quickly. The key is to avoid overcooking, which makes them rubbery.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed. Pat the 1 lb Royal Red shrimp (or other large shrimp) very dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better on the grill. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Make the Lemony Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, juice of ½ lemon, and zest of ½ lemon (optional). If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Stir well to combine.
3. Preheat Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp directly on the hot grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and are cooked through. They should curl into a gentle “C” shape when done. Avoid overcooking, as Royal Reds are very tender and can become tough quickly if left on the heat too long.
5. Toss in Lemony Garlic Butter & Serve: Remove the grilled shrimp from the heat and immediately transfer them to a medium bowl. Pour the prepared lemony garlic butter generously over the hot shrimp. Toss gently to coat all the shrimp evenly. Transfer the buttered shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing, and enjoy these succulent, flavorful Royal Red Shrimp!
Tips for Success:
- Pat Shrimp Dry: This is crucial for getting a good sear and preventing the shrimp from steaming instead of grilling.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Royal Reds are very tender. Cook just until pink and opaque. They cook quickly!
- Hot Grill: Ensure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat for a quick sear and beautiful char marks.
- Fresh Lemon & Garlic: Use fresh lemon juice, zest, and garlic for the brightest, most vibrant flavor in your butter sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Grilled shrimp, especially in butter sauce, are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the grill.
- Use a Bowl for Tossing: Tossing the hot shrimp with the butter in a bowl ensures every piece is evenly coated.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings:
These Grilled Royal Red Shrimp are a perfect standalone appetizer or a fantastic main course for a light summer meal.
- Appetizer: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the extra garlic butter.
- Side Dish: Pair with a light green salad, grilled asparagus, or roasted vegetables.
- Grains: Serve over fluffy white rice or a light pilaf to soak up the butter.
- Other Seafood: They’d be a fantastic addition to a seafood feast alongside Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque or Mediterranean Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce.
- Foil Packs: If you like easy cleanup, these shrimp could even be adapted into Shrimp, Corn, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage Foil Pack.
- Pasta: Serve over a simple pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs, like a lighter version of Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta.
- Risotto: Consider serving alongside or on top of a light, creamy risotto, perhaps inspired by Spicy Mango Shrimp Risotto.
- Beverages: A crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc, a light-bodied Pinot Grigio, or a chilled Rosé would be excellent choices.
Storage and Leftover Tips:
Grilled shrimp is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Best Served Fresh: The succulent texture of Royal Red shrimp and the freshness of the lemon-garlic butter are at their peak when served hot off the grill.
- Not Ideal for Leftovers: Cooked shrimp can become rubbery when reheated. If you must store leftovers, separate the shrimp from any excess butter.
- Refrigeration (if necessary): Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat very gently and quickly (e.g., a brief sauté) to avoid overcooking.
- Freezing: Freezing cooked shrimp is generally not recommended as their delicate texture suffers significantly upon thawing.
Final Thoughts:
These Grilled Royal Red Shrimp with Lemony Garlic Butter are a true celebration of summer flavors and luxurious seafood. With their natural sweetness, perfect grilling, and vibrant lemon-garlic infusion, they are an incredibly easy yet utterly decadent dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. Get ready to savor every juicy, tender bite!
What are your go-to grilling recipes for seafood, or do you have a secret for perfectly cooked shrimp? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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