Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
Plump shrimp grilled with a spicy Memphis-style dry rub and served with a rich garlic butter sauce for a smoky, flavorful seafood dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make a dry rub marinade. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 3: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque with grill marks, being careful not to overcook.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 6: Serve grilled shrimp skewers drizzled with hot garlic butter sauce alongside your choice of sides.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce?
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 Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce 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 Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce?
American 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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