If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them completely. The best way is to place them in a colander in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 20-30 minutes, changing the water once.
Once thawed, ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. You can buy them this way or do it yourself. Leaving the tails on makes for a nicer presentation and an easier handle if eating by hand, but it’s optional.
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear and helping the marinade adhere properly.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dried parsley, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.
Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated.
Add the patted-dry shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure each one is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use.
Thread 4-6 shrimp onto each skewer. Don’t pack them too tightly; a little space allows for even cooking.
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a grill brush.
Lightly oil the grill grates by dipping a wadded-up paper towel in a high smoke point oil and rubbing it over the grates.
Remove the shrimp skewers from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
Place the shrimp skewers directly on the preheated, oiled grill grates. Grill for about 2-4 minutes per side.
The shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque, and curl into a “C” shape. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal.
Once cooked, remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and transfer them to a clean platter. Let them rest for a minute or two.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.