Smoky Tiki-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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

Plump shrimp marinated in a smoky, spicy tiki-inspired blend, grilled to tender perfection with a citrus finish. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, smoked paprika 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp lime zest, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Soak 6 wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove shrimp from grill, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Tiki-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Smoky Tiki-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Tiki-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

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 Smoky Tiki-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers 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 Smoky Tiki-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers?

Caribbean 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.

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