Charred Lime and Chili Grilled Shrimp Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty shrimp marinated in lime juice and chili flakes, grilled to smoky perfection and perfect for a quick seafood meal or appetizer. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh lime juice, olive oil 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque with charred edges.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Lime and Chili Grilled Shrimp Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 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 Charred Lime and Chili Grilled 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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Lime and Chili Grilled 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 Charred Lime and Chili Grilled Shrimp Skewers 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 Charred Lime and Chili Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

Caribbean 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.

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