Spice-Rubbed Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter
Plump shrimp grilled with a smoky spice rub and finished with a zesty cilantro lime butter for a bright, flavorful seafood dish. This mexican-inspired grilling ready in about 21 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, paprika 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 4 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the spice rub.
- Step 2: Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil and the prepared spice rub until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Thread the shrimp onto 4 soaked wooden skewers, about 6-7 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 4: Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat, approximately 425°F.
- Step 5: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 6: While shrimp grills, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat; stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tsp lime zest until combined and fragrant.
- Step 7: Remove shrimp from grill, brush generously with cilantro lime butter, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spice-Rubbed Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter take to make?
Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 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 Spice-Rubbed Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter?
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 Spice-Rubbed Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter?
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 Spice-Rubbed Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter 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 Spice-Rubbed Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter?
Mexican 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.
