Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Name: Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges, for serving; Skewers (wooden or metal)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love cooking with shrimp, and these Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers are a fabulous way to bring bold flavors to the table. The sweet and savory glaze adds a delightful twist that makes each bite irresistible. I love serving these skewers at gatherings since they’re not only quick to prepare but also visually appealing. Just a few minutes under the broiler or on the grill, and you have a dish that impresses. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself craving these delicious shrimp often!

Created by

Camilla Rhodes

Last updated on 2026-01-07T15:07:14.465Z

Making these Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers was a delightful experience. I was in a mood for something quick yet flavorful, and this recipe fit the bill perfectly. The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a glaze that beautifully caramelizes the shrimp, providing a delicious crust while keeping them juicy inside.

I experimented with marinating the shrimp briefly before grilling, which allowed the flavors to penetrate better. I also recommend soaking the skewers in water for a bit to prevent burning when cooking on the grill. Trust me; these tips will elevate your skewers to the next level!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully
Garlic adds a perfect touch of savory depth
Quick cooking time makes it ideal for weeknights

      

Ingredient Insights

The key ingredient in these Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers is, of course, the shrimp. I recommend using large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Fresh shrimp has a sweet, briny taste that enhances the overall dish. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp can work too; just make sure to completely thaw them before marinating. This ensures even absorption of the marinade and prevents excess moisture during cooking, which could lead to rubbery shrimp.

Honey plays a pivotal role in creating the glaze that adheres to the shrimp. Its natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully under heat, giving each skewer a shiny, golden finish. If you're looking for a substitute, maple syrup can be a great alternative, providing a similar sweetness but with its unique flavor profile. Try to avoid using refined sugars, as they won’t achieve the same depth or complexity in taste, which the honey provides.

Cooking Techniques

When it comes to cooking the shrimp skewers, whether on a grill or in the broiler, keeping an eye on them is crucial. The shrimp will change color from grey to pink, which generally takes around 2-3 minutes per side. Aim for a slightly charred look, as this adds a wonderful smokiness to the dish. If you're grilling, ensure your grill grates are hot and oiled before placing the skewers on them to prevent sticking. A high heat setting will provide that brilliant sear without overcooking the shrimp interior.

If you prefer a more subtle garlic flavor, you can marinate the shrimp for a shorter time. Just a quick 5-minute soak will still impart some garlicky goodness without overwhelming the shrimp. Remember to balance the marinating time based on how pronounced you want the flavors to be; it’s all about personal preference!

Serving Suggestions

These shrimp skewers pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad or grilled vegetables, making for a well-rounded meal. Consider serving them atop a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce. For a spicy kick, you could also drizzle sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the skewers before serving. It adds a delicious heat that complements the sweetness beautifully and gives the dish a bit more complexity.

For those looking to entertain, these skewers can also be made into a fun appetizer platter. Serve them alongside dipping sauces such as spicy mayo or a tangy yogurt sauce. This can enhance your gathering by providing guests with options and elevates the overall dining experience. You can even make mini skewers for bite-sized portions, perfect for parties or game days.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started on these shrimp skewers:

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Make sure to have everything ready before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers:

Prepare the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine honey, melted butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the mixture, tossing to coat. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 10 minutes.

Skewer the Shrimp

Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, ensure they are soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Cook the Skewers

Preheat your grill or broiler. Cook the shrimp skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Serve

Remove the skewers from the heat and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your flavorful Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or serve with a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor.

Making Ahead and Storage

If you're planning to host and want to get a jump-start, these shrimp skewers can be marinated up to one day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. It's a convenient way to save time and allows the flavors to deepen. When you're ready to cook, simply skewer and follow the cooking instructions as usual for a quick yet delicious meal.

Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to use the broiler for a minute or two, which will help maintain their texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the shrimp rubbery. If you have extra skewers, consider incorporating the shrimp into a pasta dish or a seafood salad for a refreshing twist.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with the marinade! Adding a teaspoon of fresh ginger or a splash of lime juice can add a zesty kick. Additionally, if you enjoy a bit of tang, swapping the honey with agave nectar or a mix of balsamic vinegar can give you a different yet delicious flavor. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the final sweetness and texture slightly.

Vegetarians can enjoy this recipe by swapping out shrimp for firm tofu or big chunks of mushrooms. Ensure you marinate these alternatives in a similar way to absorb the flavors, retaining the same cooking method. This makes a terrific option for those who want to enjoy the same sweet and savory experience without the seafood.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your shrimp are overcooked, a common culprit could be cooking on too high of a heat. Always start at a medium heat and adjust as necessary. Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery and dry, while properly cooked shrimp should feel firm yet tender to the bite. Remember, they cook very quickly, so keep a close watch!

For those concerned about charred edges, you might want to arrange your skewers a bit further from the heat source, as even high heat can be diffused. Keeping space between the skewers allows for more even cooking and helps prevent any burnt flavors while still achieving that coveted grilled finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating.

→ What type of skewers are best?

Both wooden and metal skewers work well. Just remember to soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.

→ Can I substitute honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a sweetener alternative.

→ How long can I marinate the shrimp?

You can marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes for more flavor, but any longer may cause them to become mushy.