Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp with Cilantro Rice
Juicy shrimp marinated in a bright citrus-lime sauce grilled to perfection, served atop fluffy cilantro-infused rice for a refreshing and light meal. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, freshly squeezed lime juice, freshly squeezed orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp lime zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a medium bowl. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: While the shrimp marinates, rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and have grill marks.
- Step 4: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tsp lime zest for a fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve the grilled shrimp over the cilantro rice while hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp with Cilantro Rice take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp with Cilantro Rice?
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 lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp with Cilantro Rice?
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 Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp with Cilantro Rice 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 Grilled Citrus-Lime Shrimp with Cilantro Rice?
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.
