Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty chili-lime blend, grilled and served with a cooling cilantro yogurt sauce. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 26 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, fresh 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 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mexican 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 fresh lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 3/4 tsp salt. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the shrimp onto skewers, about 6-7 shrimp per skewer.
  3. Step 3: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred on edges. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp fresh lime zest, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers hot with a generous dollop of the cilantro yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (20 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce?

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 Yogurt Sauce?

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 Yogurt Sauce 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 Yogurt Sauce?

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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