Garlic and Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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

Bright and zesty shrimp skewers marinated in garlic, lime, and fresh cilantro for a quick Whole30-friendly seafood dish. This mexican-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 33 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh lime juice, olive oil 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: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 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 evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight grill marks, taking care not to overcook.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and serve immediately, garnished with extra chopped cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 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 Garlic and Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

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 Garlic and Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers 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 Garlic and Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, 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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