Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Succulent shrimp marinated in bright citrus and grilled, topped with a fresh and herby chimichurri sauce for a vibrant seafood dish. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 31 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon 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: 25 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare chimichurri sauce by mixing 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small minced shallot, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a bowl. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred, with opaque flesh.
  5. Step 5: Transfer shrimp to a serving plate and spoon 2-3 tbsp chimichurri sauce over them. Serve immediately with additional chimichurri on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 31 minutes (25 min prep + 6 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 with Chimichurri 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 with Chimichurri 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 with Chimichurri 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 with Chimichurri 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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