Cilantro Lime Shrimp
on Jun 23, 2024, Updated Jul 03, 2024
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These grilled cilantro lime shrimp skewers are a quick and easy dinner or appetizer! Shrimp is quickly marinated in a mixture of cilantro, lime juice, honey, and flavorful dried spices, then grilled to perfection.
If you love grilled shrimp skewers, try these teriyaki shrimp and pineapple skewers!
Why you’ll love it
Quick and easy – It only takes 30 minutes to make these shrimp skewers and half of that time is hands off while they marinate.
Versatile – Not only is the cilantro lime shrimp delicious on it’s own or with a side of rice, but it can also be used as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, or added to a salad.
Bright zesty flavor – Lime juice and cilantro give the shrimp a zesty, fresh flavor, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness.
The ingredients
- Shrimp – You’ll want to use peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp for this recipe.
- Olive oil – Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Avocado oil can be used as a substitute.
- Honey – Honey adds a bit of sweetness to the marinade and balances the tartness from the lime.
- Cilantro – Cilantro has a pungent, bright flavor with hints of lemon and a little peppery.
- Lime – You’ll use both the zest and juice from the lime.
- Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder – Spice blend that boosts the flavor of the marinade.
How to make grilled cilantro lime shrimp
This is an overview of the recipe with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl or glass measuring cup. Whisk to combine and then pour the marinade over the shrimp.
Stir to coat all of the shrimp and then let them sit and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Preheat your grill to 400° F. Thread the shrimp onto skewers. Clean and oil the grill grates then place the shrimp skewers on them.
Grill for 2-3 minutes, then flip them over and grill another 2 minutes or until they’re pink, opaque, and have a loose C shape.
Optional step: If you want to glaze the shrimp, once you’ve removed them from the marinade, pour the marinade into a small saucepan or skillet. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for a couple minutes, stirring the entire time. Brush the glaze onto the grilled shrimp skewers.
Tips for grilling shrimp
- Grill the shrimp on flat metal skewers to prevent them from spinning around when you flip them over.
- Make sure the grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent the shrimp from sticking to them.
- Heat the grill to 400° F. before adding the shrimp onto it.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, then flip and grill another 1-2 minutes.
- Only grill the shrimp until they are pink and opaque. They should be a loose C shape. A tight C indicates they are overcooked.
Ways to serve cilantro lime marinated shrimp
These grilled shrimp skewers can be served so many different ways. It can be as simple as having them with a side of cilantro lime black beans and rice or guacamole for dipping. You can also use them in some of the other main dishes listed below.
- Honey Lime Shrimp Salad
- As an appetizer in these tequila lime shrimp taco bites
- In these shrimp tacos with avocado salsa verde
- Add them into this southwestern bean salad
Storage
Storage – The shrimp will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheating – The shrimp can be reheated in a skillet over low heat. Be careful not to cook them for too long or they will be tough and chewy.
Shrimp skewers FAQs
What size shrimp work best for shrimp skewers?
Jumbo shrimp. Jumbo shrimp might also be labeled as 16-21 count shrimp (meaning there’s 16-21 shrimp per pound). They’re meaty and easy to thread onto the skewers.
Can frozen shrimp be used?
Absolutely. Unless you live on the coast and have access to fresh shrimp, it’s likely the shrimp you’re buying at the seafood counter have previously been frozen. Defrost them in the refrigerator overnight.
More shrimp recipes
Did you make this cilantro lime shrimp? I’d love if you’d leave a recipe rating and review below.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves chopped
- Zest of a lime
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp 16/21 count, peeled and deveined
Instructions
- Whisk the marinade ingredients in a glass measuring cup or bowl. Put the shrimp in a bowl or freezer bag and pour the marinade over them.
- Stir to coat all of the shrimp in the marinade or massage it in if using a freezer bag. Marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Thread the shrimp onto metal or wooden skewers. If using wooden skewers make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to 400° F. then clean and oil the grates.
- Place the shrimp skewers onto the grill grates and grill for 2-3 minutes. Flip them over and grill another 2 minutes or until they're pink, opaque, and have a loose C shape.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
