Lime-Cilantro Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili Oil
Juicy shrimp marinated in zesty lime and cilantro, grilled to perfection and finished with a drizzle of homemade chili oil for a smoky, spicy bite. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp (peeled and deveined), fresh lime juice, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for chili oil)
- 1 tsp dried chili flakes (for chili oil)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare chili oil by heating 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp dried chili flakes and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and oil turns red. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, about 6-7 per skewer.
- Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 5: Transfer shrimp to a serving plate and drizzle with the prepared chili oil. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and serve immediately with lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Lime-Cilantro Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili Oil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Lime-Cilantro Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili Oil?
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 fresh lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lime-Cilantro Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili Oil?
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 Lime-Cilantro Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili Oil 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 Lime-Cilantro Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Chili Oil?
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.
