Grilled Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp marinated in a tangy rum glaze, grilled to perfection, and served with a zesty cilantro lime dressing for a vibrant seafood appetizer. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, light rum, honey 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 220 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup light rum, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro lime dressing by blending 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tbsp lime juice (from an additional lime), and a pinch of salt until smooth; refrigerate.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred, basting occasionally with leftover marinade.
  6. Step 6: Serve shrimp skewers hot with a side of cilantro lime dressing for dipping or drizzling.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dressing?

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 Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dressing?

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 Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dressing 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 Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dressing?

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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