Charcoal-Grilled Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp Skewers
Skewered shrimp marinated in garlic and citrus, grilled over charcoal for a smoky finish reminiscent of popular seafood flavors in the Kansas City area. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 31 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 3, 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
- 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss until fully coated. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F) with a hot zone for direct grilling.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated shrimp onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer, leaving small gaps between each.
- Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers directly over the heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred on the edges.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with warm tortillas or a fresh salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 31 minutes (25 min prep + 6 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 Charcoal-Grilled Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp Skewers?
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 Charcoal-Grilled Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp Skewers?
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 Charcoal-Grilled Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Charcoal-Grilled Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp Skewers?
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.
