Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili-Lime Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in bright citrus and grilled, then brushed with a spicy chili-lime butter for a vibrant summer seafood dish. This caribbean-inspired summer cookout ready in about 36 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to absorb the citrus and spices.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 1/2 tsp red chili flakes and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a small bowl until well combined, then refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
  5. Step 5: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred around the edges.
  6. Step 6: Immediately brush the hot shrimp generously with the chili-lime butter, allowing it to melt and glaze the shrimp. Serve warm with extra butter on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili-Lime Butter take to make?

Total time is about 36 minutes (30 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-Lime Butter?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili-Lime Butter?

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-Lime Butter 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-Lime Butter?

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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