Chile-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro
Bright and zesty shrimp skewers marinated in chile, lime, and garlic then grilled to juicy perfection, ideal for a quick seafood appetizer or main. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 31 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chile powder
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chile powder, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp salt to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred around edges.
- Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chile-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro 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 Chile-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro?
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 Chile-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro?
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 Chile-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro 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 Chile-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro?
Mexican 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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