Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili
Bright and zesty shrimp skewers marinated in citrus juice and chili, grilled to smoky tenderness perfect for summer evenings. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, freshly squeezed lime juice, freshly squeezed orange 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 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 4, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp evenly onto 4 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred at edges, basting with leftover marinade during cooking.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili?
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 freshly squeezed lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili?
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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili?
Latin American 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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