Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in fresh cilantro, lime juice, and garlic, then grilled to smoky perfection. This whole30 (paleo, gluten free) ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh cilantro leaves, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  2. Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 peeled garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pulse until smooth to create a marinade.
  3. Step 3: Place 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp in a mixing bowl. Pour the cilantro-lime marinade over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  4. Step 4: Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each soaked skewer, piercing through the tail and body to hold securely.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque and have grill marks.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 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 Cilantro-Lime 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 cilantro leaves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime 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 Cilantro-Lime 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.

Is Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers paleo?

Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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