Citrus-Marinated Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro and Chili

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty citrus and chili mixture, grilled to smoky perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, lime juice, orange 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: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 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 evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 4-5 skewers, distributing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 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 with Cilantro and Chili?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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

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 Cilantro and Chili 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 Cilantro and Chili?

Caribbean 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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