Oven-Roasted Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers (Easy & Juicy)

What are oven-roasted shrimp skewers?

Oven-roasted shrimp skewers are a quick and easy way to cook shrimp in the oven, using skewers to keep them evenly spaced and easy to handle. Tossed in a simple garlic butter mixture, they roast in under 10 minutes and come out juicy, flavorful, and perfect for dinner or entertaining.

I don't know about you, but shrimp is my go-to when I need something fast, reliable, and just a little bit special. These oven-roasted garlic butter shrimp skewers check every box; they're ready in minutes, full of flavor, and just fancy enough to feel like you made an effort (even if you didn't 😉).

And the best part? No grill required.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Quick and easy - ready in about 20 minutes
• No grill needed - everything cooks right in the oven
• Like my Garlic Butter Noodles with Shrimp, it has big flavor, simple ingredients, and the garlic butter does all the heavy lifting
• Works with fresh or frozen shrimp
• Like my Pan Fried Shrimp, it’s flexible - and can be served as a main dish or appetizer
• Perfect for entertaining; it looks impressive but couldn't be easier

Ingredient notes and easy substitutions

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

• Shrimp: Large or extra-large shrimp (16-20 count) work best. I tested this with both Gulf shrimp and Royal Red shrimp, and both were delicious. Royal reds are sweeter and more delicate, so reduce the salt slightly and cook them for a little less time.
• Butter: This is where most of your flavor comes from, so don't skimp.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here. Pre-minced just doesn't have the same punch.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle depth without overpowering the shrimp.
• Skewers: I prefer metal skewers. If using wooden ones, soak them for at least 30 minutes before using.

Recipe variations and twists

• Old Bay version: Swap smoked paprika for Old Bay seasoning
• Spicy shrimp skewers: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
• Honey garlic shrimp: Add 1-2 teaspoons honey to the butter mixture
• Lemon herb shrimp: Add fresh thyme or oregano along with the parsley

How to make oven-roasted garlic butter shrimp skewers

This is a summary of the steps; the complete directions are in the recipe card below.

1. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. It should taste buttery, bright, and well-seasoned.

2. Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This helps them roast instead of steam.
3. Thread the skewers: Thread shrimp onto skewers, about 5-6 per skewer. Tip: Use two skewers side by side to keep the shrimp from spinning when you flip them.

4. Arrange and brush: Place skewers on a rimmed baking sheet (or better yet, a wire rack set over the pan) and brush generously with garlic butter. into patties

5. Roast: Roast at 425°F for 8 minutes, flip, then roast 2 more minutes until shrimp are opaque and just cooked through.

6. Optional broil: Broil for 30-60 seconds for a little color (skip this step for royal red shrimp).
7. Finish: Brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve.

Serving ideas

• Serve with garlic cheese pull-apart bread, or Texas toast garlic bread, to soak up that garlic butter
• Pair with a simple coleslaw or my broccoli salad
• Spoon over buttered noodles or orzo pilaf
• Serve as an appetizer with shorter skewers (2-3 shrimp each)
• If you have leftovers, they're great tossed into pasta, salads, or even shrimp tacos the next day.

What to make with leftover shrimp

Here are a few of my favorite ways to use leftover shrimp:

• Shrimp Caesar Salad
• Shrimp Quesadillas with Bacon (I’m actually making these tonight with the leftover shrimp from testing this recipe. It’s one of our favorites.)
• Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice
• Shrimp Cobb Salad

Recipe FAQs

Tips for perfect results every time

• Don't overcook the shrimp, they cook fast
• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning
• Use two skewers for stability
• Use a wire rack if possible for better airflow
• Pull the royal red shrimp slightly earlier; they cook faster and are more delicate

More shrimp recipes you'll love

If you're like me and always have a bag of shrimp in the freezer, you're in good company! I've shared over 30 shrimp recipes here over the years, and it's one of my favorite things to cook.

Join the conversation

Did you make these oven-roasted garlic butter shrimp skewers? I'd love to hear how they turned out for you! Leave a comment and star rating below and let me know, especially if you tried them with royal red shrimp.

G&P wisdom

When it comes to shrimp, simple is almost always better; just give them a little butter, a little garlic, and don't overcook them.

Southern Comfort Food Made Simple and Shareable
For over a decade, Grits and Pinecones has been serving up delicious recipes with a Southern flair, simple, flavorful, and perfect to share with family and friends.