Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce

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

Light and zesty shrimp grilled to perfection, soaked in a citrus marinade and served with a bright cilantro lime dipping sauce. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes blends (60ml), freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro lime sauce by mixing 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Serve the shrimp hot with the chilled cilantro lime sauce for dipping, providing a stimulating balance of flavors.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 Sauce 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 Sauce?

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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