Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Cilantro
Succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty citrus and garlic blend, grilled to smoky perfection, and finished with fresh cilantro for a bright flavor punch. This caribbean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 6-8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, stirring to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated shrimp onto 6-8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
- Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and have grill marks, being careful not to overcook.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with a wedge of lime.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Cilantro?
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 orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and 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 Garlic and 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.
Is Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Cilantro whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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