Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Zest of 1 lime - Juice of 2 limes - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Skewers (soaked in water if wooden) I use one pound of large shrimp for this dish. Make sure to peel and devein them first. For the marinade, I mix two tablespoons of olive oil, the zest and juice from one lime, and two limes. I add one tablespoon of honey for sweetness. For spice, I include two teaspoons of chili powder and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. I also add two cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. To finish, I like to add fresh cilantro on top for color and flavor. You can also try lime wedges or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. These extras make the dish even more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the marinade. In a bowl, add olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, chili powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk this mix until smooth. Then, add the shrimp. Toss gently to coat every piece. Cover the bowl and put it in your fridge. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can let it sit for up to 2 hours. While the shrimp marinates, get your grill ready. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning. Make sure the grill grates are clean to avoid sticking. Once the shrimp are marinated, it’s time to skewer them. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each shrimp. This helps them cook evenly. Place the skewers on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn opaque with nice grill marks. Be careful! Overcooked shrimp can turn tough. When done, remove the skewers and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your flavorful dish! To make the best marinade, use fresh lime juice and zest. The lime adds a bright flavor. Mix olive oil, honey, chili powder, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. This blend gives the shrimp a tasty kick. Let the shrimp soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, try marinating for up to 2 hours. Shrimp cook quickly. Grill them for just 2-3 minutes on each side. When they turn opaque, they are ready. Overcooked shrimp can be tough and chewy. Keep an eye on them while grilling to avoid this mistake. Remove them from the grill as soon as they are done. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to sear the shrimp and lock in flavor. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Space the shrimp a bit apart on the skewers. This allows the heat to circulate and cook evenly. After grilling, let the skewers rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 30 minutes is sufficient, letting the shrimp marinate for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavors significantly. Check Shrimp Freshness: Ensure your shrimp are fresh and firm to the touch for the best texture and flavor. Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked shrimp, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the chili powder and smoked paprika based on your heat preference or try adding other spices for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can switch up the marinade to match your taste. If you want more heat, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a sweet twist, try using maple syrup instead of honey. You can also mix in some soy sauce for a savory kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a nice touch too. Experimenting with these flavors makes the dish fun and unique. If you want a veggie version, you can use mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Cut them into chunks similar to shrimp size. Marinate the veggies using the same chili lime mix. They will soak up the flavors just like shrimp do. Skewer them together and grill as you would with shrimp. This option is great for parties and offers a tasty alternative for non-meat eaters. You can make these skewers without a grill. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque. If you want a nice char, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 minutes. This cooks the shrimp quickly and gives them a great texture. You can also use a broiler if you don't have a grill, which works well for the same reason. To store leftover chili lime grilled shrimp skewers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe. You can store them in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to separate the shrimp from any extra marinade. This helps to prevent sogginess. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat the skewers. You can use a grill, skillet, or oven. If using a grill, heat it to medium. Grill the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side. If using a skillet, add a bit of oil and heat on medium. Cook until warmed through. If using the oven, place them on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender. You can also freeze the skewers if you have extras. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To cook from frozen, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This allows the shrimp to soak up the flavors. For even better taste, you can marinate for up to 2 hours. Just be careful not to go too long, as the acid can start to cook the shrimp. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quick thawing. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed, then follow the recipe as usual. Chili lime grilled shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Cilantro lime rice - Grilled corn on the cob - Fresh salad with avocado - Zesty coleslaw These sides will add freshness and balance to your meal. Shrimp are cooked when they turn opaque and curl into a C shape. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. Be cautious not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery. If unsure, cut one open to check; it should be pink and firm inside. In this blog post, we explored how to make Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers. We covered all the needed ingredients, preparation steps, and essential tips. I shared variations to suit your taste and storage options for leftovers. Grilling shrimp can be fun and easy with these clear steps. Enjoy delicious skewers at your next cookout! Happy grilling!$

Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty chili lime sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 unit zest of lime
2 unit juice of limes
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
to taste unit salt and pepper
as needed unit fresh cilantro for garnish
as needed unit skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, chili powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended to create a marinade.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and gently toss until they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Grill the skewers for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and have nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become tough.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours.

Keyword chili lime, grilled, shrimp, skewers