Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Lime
Succulent shrimp skewers grilled over charcoal, marinated in zesty lime juice and garlic for a smoky, vibrant dish perfect for a summer Father's Day cookout. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 46 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, minced garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lime juice 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
- 1.5 lbs, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F) with hot embers.
- Step 4: Thread the marinated shrimp evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with a slight char, being careful not to overcook.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Lime take to make?
Total time is about 46 minutes (40 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 Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Lime?
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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Lime?
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 Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Lime 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 Charcoal-Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Lime?
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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