Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty citrus, garlic, and chili mixture, then grilled to perfection for a vibrant seafood appetizer or main dish. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs large shrimp (peeled and deveined), fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tbsp honey, 3/4 tsp 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 to coat all shrimp evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (35 min prep + 10 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 Garlic and Chili?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Chili?

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 Garlic and Chili 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 Garlic and Chili?

Caribbean 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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