Irresistible Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Argentinian Red Shrimp

Grilling season is truly a celebrated time of year, and what better way to embrace it than with succulent seafood? Our Grilled Shrimp Skewers, infused with rich garlic butter, are poised to become your new favorite dinner-time obsession. The secret to their incredible flavor and tender texture lies in a simple yet effective marinade that allows the shrimp to soak up all the garlicky goodness before hitting the hot grill. This recipe promises not just a meal, but an experience – a quick, vibrant burst of oceanic flavor perfect for any day of the week, especially when you choose our star ingredient: Argentinian Red Shrimp.

The Star Ingredient: Argentinian Red Shrimp

While this versatile recipe will work beautifully with almost any type of shrimp, I simply must introduce you to the magic of Argentinian Red Shrimp. Consider them the “lobster of the shrimp world” – if you ever come across them, seize the opportunity! Their unique qualities elevate a simple grilled shrimp dish into something truly extraordinary.

Why Argentinian Red Shrimp Stand Out

These aren’t your average shrimp. Argentinian Red Shrimp are wild-caught from the pristine, icy waters off the coast of Argentina. This unique environment contributes to their incredibly delicate texture and a distinctly sweet, oceanic flavor that sets them apart. When you handle them, you’ll immediately notice their fresh aroma – it’s like a clean breath of the ocean, never fishy. Their vibrant, natural red hue, even before cooking, is also a tell-tale sign of their quality and a visual cue that they require minimal cooking time to retain their exquisite tenderness.

You might encounter them under several names, reflecting their growing popularity across markets like the United States. Look for labels such as Wild Red Shrimp, Patagonian King Prawn, Argentinian Red Shrimp, or their scientific name, Pleoticus Muelleri. Regardless of the name, their characteristic deep red color is unmistakable. This natural redness is also why it’s crucial to cook them quickly – overcooking can easily diminish their delicate texture and sweet taste.

Their tender nature means they require only the briefest encounter with heat. A gentle grill or a quick sauté is all that’s needed to bring out their best. As this post suggests, my preferred method for these beauties is a swift grill, ensuring they remain succulent and full of flavor. If you’re looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, these shrimp are your secret weapon.

Preparing Your Perfect Grilled Shrimp Skewers

The journey to perfectly grilled shrimp begins even before they hit the marinade. Most often, you’ll find Argentinian Red Shrimp in the freezer section of your grocery store. I’ve personally seen them at major retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club, making them surprisingly accessible. The first crucial step is to thaw them properly, ideally overnight in the refrigerator, or using a quick cold water bath method. Once thawed, ensuring they are as dry as possible is paramount. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp rather than allowing them to brown beautifully on the grill. I achieve this by laying them out on a few layers of paper towels and gently patting them dry. This step guarantees a quick, even cook and those desirable seared marks.

The Art of the Garlic Butter Marinade

Once your shrimp are perfectly dry, it’s time for the magical marinade. I love to gently toss them in a bath of warm, melted butter generously infused with minced garlic and seasoned perfectly with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The warmth of the butter helps to meld the flavors, creating an aromatic coating for the shrimp. Allowing the shrimp to marinate in this fragrant garlic butter and seasoning for a good 20-30 minutes is key. This brief resting period gives the shrimp ample time to absorb the flavors, resulting in a deeper, more satisfying taste profile. While they are marinating, you can fire up your grill, getting it to the optimal hot temperature.

Grilling to Perfection: Speed and Precision

As emphasized before, the key to successful grilling of Argentinian Red Shrimp is speed. Their delicate nature means they cook incredibly fast, so vigilance is required to prevent overcooking, which can turn them rubbery. A few minutes on each side over high heat is often all it takes. For a complete and flavorful meal, I often throw some seasoned squash onto the grill alongside the shrimp, and perhaps a few potatoes in the toaster oven for a complementary side. This approach allows for a synchronized meal prep, bringing everything to the table hot and fresh at the same time.

Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp Skewers

• Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the shrimp. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers are also a great option, as they are reusable and conduct heat evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: When skewering, ensure there’s a little space between each shrimp. This allows for even cooking and proper searing.
• High Heat, Short Time: Grill over direct high heat. This creates a beautiful char on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
• Watch for Color Change: Shrimp cook quickly. They are done when they turn opaque and pink. For Argentinian Red Shrimp, this happens even faster due to their natural color.
• Basting: The leftover garlic butter from the marinade can be warmed and used to baste the shrimp once they are off the grill, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
• Serving: Serve these skewers immediately to enjoy their peak tenderness and flavor.

This recipe for grilled shrimp skewers is more than just a quick dinner; it’s an effortless feast that can grace your table any night of the week. The minimal prep and cook time make it perfect for busy schedules, as long as you remember to thaw your shrimp ahead of time. With these tips and the star power of Argentinian Red Shrimp, you’re well on your way to a truly memorable shrimp experience!

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📖 Recipe

Yield: 6-8 servings

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

This recipe will work with any shrimp, but if you can find Argentinian Red Shrimp snatch them up and they will make this recipe all the better!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Argentinian Red Shrimp
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt, Morton’s
• ½ teaspoon Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Thaw and dry the shrimp between paper towels.
2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan along with the garlic, salt, and pepper. Once melted remove it from the heat and let cool for about 5 minutes. Add the parsley and stir to combine.
3. In a bowl or on a sheet pan toss the shrimp with the butter and sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper on top. Toss to coat the shrimp in the butter. Let it marinate for 20-30 minutes, then skewer and get them ready for the grill.
4. Grill over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Set the pan you marinated the shrimp on over the heat and any butter that is leftover can be used to baste the shrimp when they have finished cooking.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Argentinian Red Shrimp are the best for this recipe. I call them the lobster of the shrimp world as they are very tender and require little cooking.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 251
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 339mg
Sodium: 1598mg
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 35g

This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used.

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