Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Garlic

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

Tender shrimp marinated in a zesty citrus and garlic mixture, grilled to perfection with a hint of chili heat, ideal for summer cookouts. This caribbean-inspired summer cookout ready in about 16 minutes pairs large shrimp, orange juice, 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 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 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 3/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto the 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Place shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over shrimp, and serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favorite summer sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Garlic?

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 large shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Garlic?

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 and Garlic 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 and Garlic?

Caribbean summer cookout 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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