Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp grilled over charcoal and brushed with a spicy garlic-chili butter for a smoky, flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 48 minutes pairs pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 4 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. Thread 1 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp onto the skewers, about 8-10 shrimp per skewer.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, cooking gently for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat, about 425°F. Brush the shrimp lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Place shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with the garlic-chili butter occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and opaque with grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove shrimp from grill and serve immediately, spooning any remaining garlic-chili butter over the top for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Butter take to make?

Total time is about 48 minutes (40 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Butter?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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