Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Cilantro
Bright and zesty shrimp skewers marinated in a citrus-chili sauce, grilled to juicy perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 21 minutes pairs large shrimp, orange juice, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 8 soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
- Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slightly charred edges.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves over the shrimp, and serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 21 minutes (15 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 Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Cilantro?
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 Shrimp Skewers with Chili 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 Shrimp Skewers with Chili 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.
What goes well with Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Cilantro?
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.
