Grilled Lime-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in zesty lime and chili, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh cilantro dipping sauce. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes blends pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tablespoons fresh lime juice, tablespoons olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound large shrimp with 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare the cilantro sauce by blending 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon honey, and 2 tablespoons water in a small blender until smooth; set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers immediately with the cilantro sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lime-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Lime-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lime-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce?

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 Lime-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce 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 Lime-Chili Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce?

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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