Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Lime Shrimp
Juicy shrimp infused with a zesty lime and chili rub, grilled over charcoal for smoky, vibrant flavor. This latin american-inspired grilling ready in about 16 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, lime zest, 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 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 tsp lime zest, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to form a spice rub.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the bowl and toss until shrimp are evenly coated with the spicy lime mixture. Let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Prepare a charcoal grill with hot coals and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place shrimp directly on the grill.
- Step 4: Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and develop a slight char, being careful not to overcook.
- Step 5: Remove shrimp from grill and serve immediately with fresh lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Lime Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 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 Spicy Lime Shrimp?
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 zest from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Lime Shrimp?
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 Lime Shrimp 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 Lime Shrimp?
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.
