Grilled Seafood Skewers with Citrus and Chili Glaze

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

Succulent seafood skewers grilled with a bright and spicy citrus chili glaze reflecting regional coastal flavors. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, cleaned scallops, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the citrus chili glaze.
  2. Step 2: Thread 16 large shrimp and 12 scallops alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Brush the skewers generously with half of the glaze and let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with remaining glaze, until shrimp are opaque and scallops are firm and slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Seafood Skewers with Citrus and Chili Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Seafood Skewers with Citrus and Chili Glaze?

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 cleaned scallops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Seafood Skewers with Citrus and Chili Glaze?

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 Seafood Skewers with Citrus and Chili Glaze 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 Seafood Skewers with Citrus and Chili Glaze?

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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