Char-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Chili
Succulent shrimp skewers marinated in garlic, chili, and lime, grilled quickly for a smoky and spicy appetizer or main dish. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 6 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well blended.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, and let sit for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 425°F, and thread shrimp onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
- Step 4: Place shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the skewers before serving immediately for a fresh contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Char-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Char-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Chili?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Chili?
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 Garlic and Chili 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 Garlic and Chili?
Caribbean grilling 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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