Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Cilantro

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in bright citrus and fresh herbs, grilled to smoky perfection for a light summer seafood dish. This caribbean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 23 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 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: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 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, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to coat all shrimp. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for flavors to infuse.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks, being careful not to overcook.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over top.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 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 Garlic and Cilantro?

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 Garlic and Cilantro?

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 Garlic and Cilantro 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Cilantro gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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