Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp with Spiced Rice Pilaf

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp marinated in citrus and herbs, grilled to perfection and served over a fragrant spiced rice pilaf. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 45 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk 1/3 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, tossing to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped small onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup long grain white rice to the saucepan and stir to coat grains with oil, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Fluff cooked rice with a fork, stir in 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve grilled shrimp atop the spiced rice pilaf.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Shrimp with Spiced Rice Pilaf 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 with Spiced Rice Pilaf?

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 with Spiced Rice Pilaf?

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 with Spiced Rice Pilaf 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 with Spiced Rice Pilaf?

Mediterranean 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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