Grilled Gulf Coast Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lime Marinade

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

Bright and flavorful shrimp skewers marinated in a garlic lime sauce, grilled to juicy perfection, perfect for a quick seafood meal. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to let flavors infuse.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, dividing them evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro over the shrimp before serving for a fresh herbal finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Gulf Coast Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lime Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Gulf Coast Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lime Marinade?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Gulf Coast Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lime Marinade?

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 Gulf Coast Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lime Marinade 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 Gulf Coast Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Lime Marinade?

American grilling 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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