Around the Campfire
Garlic lime shrimp is a fast camp dinner for nights when you want something bright and light. It works as a main, taco filling, rice bowl topping, or quick shared plate.
Why This Recipe Works
Shrimp cook quickly on the Blackstone, and lime keeps the finish fresh. Garlic butter goes in late so it flavors the shrimp without burning.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium-high
- Best for: Quick dinners, seafood nights, warm-weather meals
- Teaches: Fast protein timing
Shopping List
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Lime
- Butter
- Optional tortillas or rice
Home Prep
Portion shrimp before the trip. Pack garlic and lime together.
Cooler Packing
Keep shrimp cold and sealed. Store away from ready-to-eat foods.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
Heat Zones
Use medium-high for the seafood and a cooler zone for rice or the finished pieces.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 count per pound)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium-high.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Place shrimp on the griddle and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque.
- Add butter and garlic to the shrimp in the last 2 minutes of cooking, tossing to coat and prevent burning.
- Finish by squeezing lime juice and sprinkling lime zest over the shrimp. 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 too long.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with rice, tortillas, salad, or griddled vegetables.
Variations
- Add Cajun seasoning.
- Serve as tacos.
- Add cilantro.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Serve with rice or corn tortillas.
- Dairy-free: Use oil instead of butter.
- Low-carb: Serve over vegetables.
Scaling
Cook in small batches.
Weather Notes
Wind can cool the surface, but shrimp still cook quickly.
Leftovers
Cool promptly and use in wraps or salad.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can squeeze lime after cooking.
Dragonfly Tip
Shrimp should be the last thing cooked.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try it as tacos and as rice bowls. Pick the better camp format.