There are hundreds of species of shrimp in the world, but in this recipe we used pink shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico.  These have much better flavor than the farm raised shrimp.   We use 26-30 count shrimp.  This number describes the number of shrimp per pound, so the smaller the number, the bigger the shrimp.  To save time, we buy shrimp that have already had the heads removed.

We shelled half of the shrimp prior to skewering and grilling.  The easiest way is to pull off the legs with your fingers.  Then peel the shell, leaving the shell around the tail in place.  De-vein if you prefer, by running a knife along the back of the shrimp and removing the vein.

For the shrimp with shells, de-veining will open the shrimp up a bit to get some of the marinade flavor into the shrimp.  Be sure to be careful not to remove the shell in the process.

For marinade we used a simple mix of butter, garlic and lemon.  You can warm the butter and garlic in the microwave until the butter starts to melt.  Then stir the butter a bit and heat again until the butter is completely melted.  Baste the shrimp with half the mix then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

With the grill fired up to high, and all the way up to temp, add the shrimp with shells directly over the flame, and the shelled shrimp just off the flame.  Marinate carefully (butter dripping will flare).  Cook for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes then turn and marinate again.  Cook another 2 1/2 minutes or until the shell is pink and the shrimp are translucent.