Grilled Jalapeño Lime Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro
Succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty jalapeño lime sauce, grilled to perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 16 minutes pairs pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño, tablespoons fresh 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 pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped seeded jalapeño, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and edges have a slight char.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving as an appetizer or main dish.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Jalapeño Lime Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Jalapeño Lime Shrimp Skewers with 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 tablespoons fresh lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Jalapeño Lime Shrimp Skewers with 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 Jalapeño Lime Shrimp Skewers with 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.
What goes well with Grilled Jalapeño Lime Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro?
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.
