Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty chili and lime mixture, grilled to smoky perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes pairs 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt until well combined.
  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: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with slight char marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove shrimp from grill and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top and serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-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 Chili-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 Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro?

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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