Char-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty cilantro-lime sauce, then grilled over high heat for a smoky finish. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, packed fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp in a bowl and pour the cilantro-lime marinade over them, tossing gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat (about 450°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred, flipping once carefully.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Char-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Char-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Char-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Char-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Marinade?

Latin American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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