Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili-Lime Sauce

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

Zesty shrimp skewers marinated in fresh citrus juices and served with a spicy chili-lime dipping sauce, perfect for summer grilling. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh squeezed lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Step 3: While shrimp marinates, soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers, about 4-5 per skewer.
  5. Step 5: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro to make the chili-lime sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve grilled shrimp skewers hot with the chili-lime sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili-Lime Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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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