Name: Cowboy Butter Grilled Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); ¼ cup unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges, for serving

This Cowboy Butter Grilled Shrimp recipe delivers bold, smoky flavor with every bite. Juicy, perfectly grilled shrimp are coated in a zesty cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, lemon, and a touch of heat — ideal for summer grilling or a quick protein-packed dinner. I like how simple it is to pull together, but it always feels like something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines smoky grilled shrimp with a rich, buttery sauce full of garlic, lemon, and herbs. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and cooks in under 10 minutes. Whether I’m hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for something fast during the week, this dish never disappoints. Plus, it’s low-carb, high-protein, and crowd-pleasing — a win on all fronts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

I start by preheating my grill to medium-high heat.

Then, I toss the shrimp in a large bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until they’re evenly coated.

I thread the shrimp onto skewers — it makes grilling easier and keeps them from falling through the grates.

I grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

While they cook, I melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. I add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

After removing it from the heat, I whisk in lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley.

Once the shrimp are done, I brush or drizzle the cowboy butter over the top and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Calories: ~240 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the shrimp for scallops or chunks of salmon for a different seafood spin.

If I want it spicier, I add red pepper flakes or increase the cayenne.

For a smoky flavor, I use smoked paprika instead of regular.

I’ve even tossed the grilled shrimp and sauce with pasta or rice to make it a heartier meal.

Skipping the grill? I’ve made this indoors on a grill pan or under the broiler just as easily.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra butter to keep them juicy. I avoid the microwave, since it can make shrimp rubbery.

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FAQs

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

I look for them to turn pink and opaque with a slight curl into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” and can become tough.

Can I make the cowboy butter in advance?

Yes, I often prepare the cowboy butter a few hours ahead and reheat it gently before serving.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem — I use a stovetop grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even bake the shrimp at 425°F for 8–10 minutes.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and grilling.

Is cowboy butter spicy?

It has a slight kick from the cayenne, but I can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or leaving it out.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Grilled Shrimp is a flavorful, fast, and versatile dish that I turn to again and again. Whether I’m firing up the grill for a weekend get-together or need something quick after a long day, this recipe hits the mark. The garlicky butter sauce pulls everything together, and I love how easy it is to make it my own.

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