Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Citrus Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice
Succulent shrimp marinated in a spicy citrus glaze and grilled over charcoal, served alongside fragrant cilantro lime rice. This latin american-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, lime juice, orange zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp lime juice (for rice)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp orange zest, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well blended.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- Step 3: While shrimp marinates, rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer rice for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Step 5: Stir 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1 tbsp lime juice into the cooked rice. Cover and keep warm.
- Step 6: Prepare your charcoal grill to medium-high heat (around 450°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers for easier grilling.
- Step 7: Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until opaque and slightly charred at the edges.
- Step 8: Serve the grilled shrimp hot alongside the cilantro lime rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Citrus Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Spicy Citrus Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice?
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 lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Citrus Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice?
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 Spicy Citrus Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice 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 Spicy Citrus Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice?
Latin American 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.
