Garlic Butter Shrimp

Around the Campfire

Garlic butter shrimp is one of the fastest dinners you can cook on a campsite griddle. It feels special, but the actual cook is short enough that the table should be ready before the shrimp touches the heat.

This recipe teaches fast-protein timing. Shrimp cook quickly, so toppings, sides, and plates should be ready first.

Why This Recipe Works

The Blackstone gives shrimp a hot surface so they cook fast and pick up a little browning. Garlic butter adds flavor at the end without scorching.

Quick Facts

• Serves: 4
• Heat zone: Medium-high
• Best for: Quick dinners, seafood nights, warm-weather trips
• Teaches: Fast cook timing

Shopping List

• Shrimp
• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Optional parsley or green onions
• Rice, bread, or tortillas for serving

Home Prep

Portion shrimp before the trip if needed. Mince garlic at home and pack it in a small container.

Cooler Packing

Keep shrimp cold and sealed. Pack lemon and herbs separately.

Equipment

• Blackstone griddle
• Spatula
• Tongs
• Bowl or foil pan for serving

Heat Zones

Use medium-high heat for shrimp and a cooler zone for bread, rice, or tortillas.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and halved
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the griddle to medium-high.
2. Pat 1 1/2 pounds shrimp dry if needed.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter to the griddle.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then turn.
5. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and the remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Cook another 2–3 minutes, tossing until shrimp are opaque and just cooked through.
6. Squeeze half the lemon over the shrimp and toss. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
7. Transfer to a bowl or pan. Add lemon zest and 2 tablespoons parsley or green onions (if using). Serve immediately.

Doneness

Shrimp should be opaque and firm.

Common Mistakes

• Cooking shrimp before sides are ready.
• Adding garlic too early.
• Leaving shrimp on the griddle after they are done.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rice, flatbread, tortillas, salad, or griddled vegetables. Offer extra lemon wedges or hot sauce at the table if desired.

Variations

• Add Cajun seasoning.
• Serve as tacos.
• Toss with cooked rice.

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Serve with rice or gluten-free tortillas.
• Dairy-free: Use oil instead of butter.
• Low-carb: Serve over vegetables.

Scaling

Cook in small batches so the griddle stays hot.

Weather Notes

Wind can cool the surface, but shrimp still cook quickly. Watch closely.

Leftovers

Cool promptly if saving and use in a wrap or salad.

Kid Helper Tasks

Kids can squeeze lemon and help set bowls or tortillas.

Dragonfly Tip

Shrimp are dinner’s final step. Everything else should be ready first.

Dragonfly Challenge

Serve half as shrimp tacos and half over rice. Pick the better campsite dinner.