Easy Grilled Seafood Skewers with Garlic Butter – Summer BBQ Favorite

Grilled Seafood Skewers are the ultimate easy summer dinner, combining juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet corn brushed with rich garlic butter for a bold, irresistible flavor. These grilled seafood skewers are perfect for backyard BBQs, family gatherings, or quick weeknight grilling when you want something satisfying and vibrant. Each skewer delivers a mix of textures—plump shrimp, crispy-edged sausage, buttery potatoes, and charred corn—coated in a savory crab boil garlic butter that enhances every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, planning a casual dinner, or looking for a crowd-pleasing grilled seafood skewers recipe, this dish is simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.

Introduction

There’s something about grilling in the summer that brings people together. The scent of food sizzling over open flames, the ease of cooking outdoors, and the joy of sharing a meal all come together in recipes like these Grilled Seafood Skewers. This dish captures everything people love about a classic seafood boil—but transforms it into a convenient, grill-friendly format.

Instead of a big pot, everything is threaded onto skewers, making it easier to cook, serve, and enjoy. The shrimp cook quickly and stay tender, the sausage adds a smoky richness, and the potatoes and corn provide that hearty, comforting balance. What truly brings it all together is the crab boil garlic butter—a rich, aromatic sauce that soaks into every component and creates layers of flavor.

These skewers are perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners with friends, or even meal prepping something a little more exciting than the usual routine. They’re colorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to grilling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare and perfect for grilling beginners
• Packed with bold, savory, buttery flavors
• Combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in one dish
• Perfect for summer gatherings and outdoor cooking
• Customizable and meal-prep friendly
• Balanced textures from juicy shrimp to tender potatoes

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 4 servings

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 12 oz Andouille sausage, sliced into thick coins
• 1 lb petite potatoes (red or gold)
• 2 ears of corn, cut into 1.5-inch rounds
• 1–2 tbsp Tony Chachere’s Bold Creole Seasoning
• 8–10 metal or soaked wooden skewers

These ingredients create the classic seafood boil flavor profile with a grilled twist. Shrimp cooks quickly, sausage adds depth, while potatoes and corn round out the meal.

Crab Boil Garlic Butter:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp Tony’s Supreme Crab Boil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

This butter sauce is rich, garlicky, and infused with bold seasoning that elevates every bite.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Grill (gas or charcoal)
• Skewers (metal or wooden)
• Basting brush
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs

Optional:

• Grill pan (if cooking indoors)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Parboil the Potatoes

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the petite potatoes and cook for 12–15 minutes until just fork-tender.

2. Add the Corn

During the last 5 minutes of cooking the potatoes, add the corn rounds to the pot. This ensures both cook evenly without overcooking.

3. Drain and Cool

Drain the potatoes and corn thoroughly, then set them aside to cool slightly so they’re easy to handle.

4. Prepare Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning on the grill.

5. Assemble the Skewers

Thread shrimp, sausage slices, potatoes, and corn onto skewers, alternating ingredients for even cooking and visual appeal.

6. Season the Skewers

Brush each skewer lightly with oil and sprinkle evenly with 1–2 tablespoons of Tony Chachere’s Bold Creole Seasoning.

7. Make the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan or bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the crab boil seasoning, minced garlic, and optional lemon juice. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

8. Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled.

9. Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook until everything is heated through and slightly charred. Turn occasionally for even cooking.

10. Baste with Garlic Butter

While grilling, brush the skewers generously with the crab boil garlic butter, allowing it to soak into the ingredients.

11. Finish and Serve

Once the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve immediately with extra garlic butter on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp and sausage with mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative
• Spice Adjustment: Use less crab boil seasoning for a milder flavor
• Ingredient Swap: Use smoked sausage instead of Andouille if preferred
• Seasonal Twist: Add other vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes

Flavor Profile

Grilled Seafood Skewers deliver a bold and satisfying combination of flavors. The shrimp are juicy and slightly sweet, absorbing the garlic butter beautifully. The sausage adds smoky, savory richness, while the potatoes bring a soft, buttery texture that balances the dish. Corn adds natural sweetness and a slight char from the grill.

The crab boil garlic butter ties everything together with its garlicky aroma, buttery richness, and subtle spice. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly tangy notes with a satisfying mouthfeel.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (estimated):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g

This dish is high in protein and naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for balanced eating.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Parboil potatoes and corn ahead of time and store in the fridge
• Assemble skewers a few hours before grilling and refrigerate
• Prepare garlic butter in advance and reheat gently
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• Reheat on a grill or skillet for best texture

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before using.

How do I prevent skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling.

Can I cook these indoors?
Yes, use a grill pan or broiler as an alternative.

How do I know shrimp are done?
They turn opaque and firm when fully cooked.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prep everything in advance and grill when ready.

Cooking Timeline

Task	Time
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes
Servings	4

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Grilled Seafood Skewers on a large platter for a vibrant presentation. Drizzle extra garlic butter over the top and garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for brightness. Arrange skewers neatly for easy serving, especially when entertaining.

Recipe Variations

• Turn into a grilled seafood platter without skewers
• Serve over rice for a bowl-style meal
• Wrap in flatbread for a handheld option
• Chop everything and turn into a warm seafood salad

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp

Choose fresh, raw shrimp with a firm texture and mild scent. Properly cleaned shrimp cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.

Andouille Sausage

Known for its smoky and slightly spicy profile, this sausage adds depth and richness to the dish.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and can become rubbery
• Pre-cooking potatoes ensures even grilling
• Baste frequently for maximum flavor
• Use medium-high heat for a good char without burning
• Space ingredients evenly on skewers for consistent cooking

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently on a grill or stovetop
• Freeze components separately for up to 2 months
• Avoid freezing fully assembled skewers

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	20g
Carbs	24g
Fat	20g
Fiber	4g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, high-protein, dairy-free adaptable.

Expanded Conclusion

Grilled Seafood Skewers bring together everything that makes summer cooking so enjoyable—bold flavors, simple preparation, and a meal that feels both festive and comforting. With juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and rich garlic butter, every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, planning a casual dinner, or just craving something grilled and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time. It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve guests, making it a go-to favorite all season long.

Save this recipe, make it part of your summer rotation, and enjoy the kind of meal that brings people together around great food.

Print