The Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lemon Pepper Butter deliver the best of summer grilling in every bite. Tender shrimp are marinated with a medley of citrus and spices, grilled to perfection, and drizzled in a buttery sauce that bursts with zesty lemon and peppery warmth.
This dish captures the heart of Texas Roadhouse’s grilled shrimp, but with a homemade twist. Paired with fragrant garlic rice, this meal is quick to prepare, full of bold flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings. It’s a great way to bring restaurant-quality seafood to your home kitchen.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1/2 teaspoon crushed black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt to taste
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 cups cooked garlic rice
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Chopped parsley or green onion for garnish
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2 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Directions:
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In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, and a pinch of salt.
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Toss the shrimp in the marinade and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
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Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Thread 8 shrimp onto each skewer.
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Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until opaque and lightly charred.
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In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in a pinch of garlic, a dash of lemon juice, and pepper.
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Drizzle the lemon pepper butter over the grilled shrimp.
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Serve immediately over warm garlic rice, garnished with chopped parsley or green onion.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
The Perfect Grilled Shrimp Inspired by Texas Roadhouse
When it comes to creating restaurant-quality meals at home, few dishes strike the perfect balance between flavor, simplicity, and elegance like Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lemon Pepper Butter. Inspired by the ever-popular grilled shrimp dish served at Texas Roadhouse Philippines, this home-cooked version not only delivers the same bold and savory profile but elevates it with fresh ingredients and a customizable twist.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a busy weeknight cook, this dish promises to become a go-to favorite. Served over aromatic garlic rice and drizzled in a buttery lemon-pepper glaze, it’s a delightful combination that feels gourmet yet easy to achieve.
What Makes This Grilled Shrimp Recipe Stand Out
This grilled shrimp recipe is a standout for several reasons. First, it uses ingredients that are easily accessible but, when combined, offer a burst of flavor that feels both indulgent and light. The shrimp are marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices that enhance their natural sweetness. Once grilled, they take on a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the citrus and butter drizzle.
Additionally, it’s one of those rare dishes that can be served at an elegant dinner or a backyard barbecue, making it versatile for any occasion. The simplicity of preparation ensures that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the food and company.
The Flavor Profile: A Dance of Zest, Smoke, and Butter
Flavor is where this recipe truly shines. Garlic and lemon are timeless partners in culinary creation, but adding cracked black pepper and optional cayenne elevates the experience. The butter glaze finishes everything off with a silky, slightly indulgent richness that doesn’t overpower the delicate shrimp.
Grilling the shrimp brings out a smoky char that plays beautifully against the brightness of the citrus. Served on a bed of garlic rice—fluffy, aromatic, and slightly nutty—you’ve got a meal that checks all the boxes: flavorful, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Health Benefits of Shrimp and Lemon-Based Marinades
Shrimp is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It’s a lean protein, low in fat, and rich in key nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. Because shrimp cooks quickly, there’s minimal need for heavy oils or long cooking times, preserving its nutrient profile.
The lemon juice used in the marinade offers a fresh, tangy burst while also helping to tenderize the shrimp. It’s packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, and when combined with garlic—a known immunity booster—you get a flavor-packed marinade that’s also good for you.
This dish is also lower in carbs (especially if paired with a low-carb rice alternative like cauliflower rice), making it suitable for keto, paleo, and low-calorie diets.
Tips for Perfecting This Dish at Home
Even though this dish is easy to prepare, a few tips can help you elevate it to restaurant-quality:
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Use fresh shrimp when possible. Frozen shrimp work well too, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
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Don’t skip the marinade time. Even 20–30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the shrimp.
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Pre-soak wooden skewers if using them for grilling. This prevents them from burning during cooking.
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Grill over medium-high heat to get a good sear without overcooking. Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape.
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Use high-quality butter for the drizzle. The better the butter, the richer the final flavor.
How to Customize the Recipe to Your Taste
One of the best things about this grilled shrimp recipe is how easy it is to adapt:
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Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an earthy note.
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Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like heat.
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Try different sides such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty garlic bread if garlic rice isn’t your thing.
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Make it a surf and turf by pairing with a grilled steak or chicken thigh for a more filling, celebratory meal.
This flexibility allows you to cater to dietary preferences, spice tolerance, or available pantry items.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing dinner for two or feeding a small crowd, this dish scales beautifully. The skewers can be prepped ahead of time and grilled just before serving, which also makes them ideal for entertaining.
This grilled shrimp recipe also photographs beautifully—making it a showstopper for food bloggers, Instagram posts, or special family meals. The natural char on the shrimp, the golden drizzle of butter, and the fluffy garlic rice create a plate that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
A Restaurant Experience Without the Price Tag
Craving Texas Roadhouse but looking to skip the queue or save money? This dish brings the experience to your home without the cost. All the core flavors—garlicky butter, lemon tang, smoky grill marks—are recreated with fresh, whole ingredients that you control.
That means no preservatives, no excess sodium, and a budget-friendly alternative to dining out. Plus, you can easily double the recipe to have leftovers for the next day, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Why This Dish Works for Busy Weeknights
If you’re juggling work, kids, and daily chaos, you’ll appreciate how quickly this dish comes together. The shrimp only need a short marination and even shorter cook time, making it realistic to go from fridge to table in under 30 minutes.
Even the garlic rice can be prepped in advance or made using a rice cooker or Instant Pot. Minimal clean-up, maximum flavor—that’s the kind of kitchen win we all need.
A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
This dish has universal appeal. Kids love the buttery shrimp and rice, adults appreciate the depth of flavor, and it even caters to health-conscious eaters. It’s gluten-free (when made with GF ingredients), low in sugar, and full of protein.
It’s also ideal for summer BBQs, cozy winter meals, or weeknight dinners with the family. You can serve it on skewers for a festive vibe or plate it up more traditionally. However you choose to present it, this dish is bound to impress.
Conclusion
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lemon Pepper Butter is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Inspired by the beloved Texas Roadhouse dish, this home version is easy, fast, and bursting with fresh, bold flavors. It combines the smoky joy of grilling with the richness of garlic butter and the brightness of citrus, all tied together with comforting garlic rice.
It’s the perfect recipe to have on hand for those times when you want something fast yet luxurious. Whether you’re trying to recreate a restaurant favorite or impress someone with your culinary skills, this dish delivers. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular rotation in your kitchen.