Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice

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

Bright and zesty grilled shrimp skewers marinated in citrus and herbs, served over fluffy cilantro-lime rice for a refreshing seafood meal. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, orange juice, lime 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. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, rinse 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 2 cups water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
  3. Step 3: Drain shrimp from marinade and thread onto skewers. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tsp lime zest. Serve grilled shrimp skewers over cilantro-lime rice for a bright, fresh seafood dinner.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime 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-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime 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-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime 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-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime 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.

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