One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Corn: A Grilled Summer Delight

This recipe is designed for beginner cooks and anyone who loves simple, fresh ingredients. It uses just a handful of pantry staples and comes together in about 15 minutes over your gas grill or charcoal grill. The high heat sears the shrimp to perfection while caramelizing the corn, creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Plus, everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp and Corn

1. Preheat your grill. If using a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat (around 400-425°F). For a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for direct heat. You should be able to hold your hand about 6 inches above the grate for 3-4 seconds. This high heat is perfect for searing the shrimp and corn.
2. Season the shrimp. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated.
3. Heat your skillet. Place a large cast-iron skillet on the grill grate. Add the butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the pan.
4. Cook the corn. Add the corn rounds to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are slightly charred and tender. The direct heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the corn, adding sweetness and that wonderful smoky flavor.
5. Add the shrimp. Push the corn to one side of the skillet and add the seasoned shrimp to the other side in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C-shape. The high heat creates a beautiful sear on the shrimp.
6. Make the garlic butter sauce. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir into the butter. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. The butter will absorb all those delicious smoky flavors from the grill.
7. Combine and finish. Toss the shrimp and corn together in the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over everything and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
8. Serve. Remove the skillet from the grill. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this summer grilled delight!

Tips for the Best One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Corn

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly—usually in just 2-3 minutes total. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C-shape. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they’re overcooked and will be rubbery. Remove from heat immediately.
• Use Fresh Shrimp When Possible: Fresh shrimp have the best texture and flavor, but high-quality frozen shrimp work wonderfully too. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
• Get That Smoky Flavor: For an even more pronounced smoky taste, add a smoker box with wood chips (hickory or applewood) to your gas grill. On a charcoal grill, the flavor is already built in. The smoked paprika also adds a lovely smoky undertone.
• Heat Zone Management: On a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire. Start the skillet over direct heat for searing, then move to indirect heat if the butter starts to burn. On a gas grill, simply adjust the burner knobs.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot off the grill. The garlic butter sauce is at its most flavorful right after cooking, and the shrimp and corn are perfectly tender.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the garlic. The heat pairs beautifully with the sweet corn and buttery shrimp.
• BBQ Shrimp and Corn Version: Brush the shrimp and corn with your favorite BBQ recipe sauce during the last minute of cooking. The sweet and tangy flavor adds a wonderful twist to this dish.
• Lemon Herb Version: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter along with extra lemon zest. The bright, herbaceous flavors are perfect for summer.
• Veggie-Packed Version: Add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to the skillet with the corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Sausage and Shrimp Version: Add sliced smoked sausage to the skillet with the corn. The smoky sausage adds incredible depth and makes this a heartier meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To Store: Allow the shrimp and corn mixture to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that shrimp can become tough if reheated too aggressively.

To Reheat: For the best results, reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat on your grill or stovetop. Add a splash of water, broth, or extra butter to bring back moisture and heat gently until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as this can make the shrimp rubbery. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but use a lower power setting.

Freezing: This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the shrimp will change upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this garlic butter shrimp and corn on a gas grill?

Absolutely! A gas grill is ideal for this recipe. Its precise temperature control makes it easy to cook both the shrimp and corn perfectly. Just preheat to medium-high and follow the instructions as written.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is to watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C-shape. This usually takes just 1-2 minutes per side. Also, removing the skillet from the grill immediately after cooking stops the cooking process.

How do I get a smoky flavor without a charcoal grill?

While a charcoal grill naturally provides that wonderful smokiness, you can achieve a similar effect on a gas grill by using a smoker box filled with wood chips (hickory or applewood work great). Alternatively, the smoked paprika in the seasoning already adds a nice smoky undertone.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn on the cob?

Yes, frozen corn works well too. Thaw it first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Add it to the skillet with the shrimp and cook until heated through. Fresh corn on the cob adds a nice texture and visual appeal, but frozen corn is a great time-saver.

What can I serve with this skillet meal?

This dish is a complete meal on its own! However, if you want to round it out, serve it with a side salad, crusty bread, or rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. It also pairs beautifully with a cold drink on a warm summer evening.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

You can use pre-cooked shrimp, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich. If using pre-cooked, simply add them to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce during the last minute of cooking to heat through. For the best flavor, I recommend cooking fresh shrimp directly on the grill.