Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro

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

Bright and zesty shrimp skewers marinated in citrus juices and grilled to juicy perfection, finished with fresh cilantro for a refreshing touch. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 31 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the shrimp. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 31 minutes (25 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes