Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Zest of 1 lime - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving How to choose the best shrimp When picking shrimp, look for ones that are firm and shiny. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Choose large shrimp for grilling as they hold up better on the skewers. Substitutes for olive oil If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or canola oil. Both oils have high smoke points and will add a nice flavor. Fresh vs. bottled lime juice Fresh lime juice offers a bright taste that bottled juice can’t match. Always use fresh when you can. The zest from the lime adds even more flavor, so don’t skip it! {{ingredient_image_1}} Preparing the marinade To start, you need to make the marinade. In a bowl, mix together: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Zest of 1 lime Whisk these ingredients until well combined. The lime juice adds bright flavor, while the spices bring heat and depth. Coating the shrimp Next, it's time to add the shrimp. Use 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Toss them in the marinade. Make sure each shrimp is coated well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and soak into the shrimp. Preheating the grill Now, let's prepare the grill. Preheat it to medium-high heat, around 400°F. This temperature gives the shrimp a nice sear. Skewering the shrimp While the grill heats, thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step prevents them from burning on the grill. Cooking times and techniques Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch them closely. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender. Garnishing with cilantro After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a minute. This helps keep the shrimp juicy. Then, garnish with fresh cilantro. It adds color and extra flavor. Pairing with lime wedges Serve the skewers with lime wedges on the side. The lime juice adds a zesty kick that enhances the dish. Enjoy the bright and bold flavors of your chili lime grilled shrimp skewers! To get perfect grilled shrimp, avoid overcooking. Cook shrimp for only 2-3 minutes on each side. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and chewy. Soaking wooden skewers helps prevent burning. Place them in water for 30 minutes before using. This keeps your skewers intact and safe on the grill. Want to make your shrimp spicy? Add fresh peppers like jalapeños or serranos. Chop them finely and mix them into your marinade. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also include other spices. Try adding smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or a pinch of cayenne for heat. These tweaks can elevate your shrimp skewers. When serving, arrange skewers on a vibrant platter. Drizzle some extra marinade or olive oil over them for shine. This adds extra flavor and appeals to the eye. Serve with lime wedges on the side. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro gives a fresh pop of color. These small touches make your dish look gourmet and inviting. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For even more intense flavor, consider marinating the shrimp for 1-2 hours instead of just 30 minutes. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and zest will elevate the taste of your dish compared to bottled alternatives. Perfect Skewer Technique: When skewering shrimp, thread them through the thickest part to ensure even cooking. Check for Doneness: To avoid overcooking, remove the shrimp from the grill once they are pink and opaque; they will continue to cook slightly after being taken off. {{image_2}} You can use chicken or fish instead of shrimp. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Marinate it just like the shrimp. This gives you a tasty and juicy dish. If you prefer fish, try salmon or tilapia. These options also soak up the chili lime flavors well. Vegetarian options can be fun too! Use firm veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can even use tofu. Marinate them with the same mix. Grill these skewers for a colorful and healthy meal. If you don't have a grill, you can use your oven. Set it to broil. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. You can also use an air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F. Place the skewers in the basket in a single layer. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you a nice char without the grill. Add different herbs to mix it up. Fresh cilantro works well, but you can try parsley or mint too. Just chop them finely and add them to the marinade. Experiment with marinades for new tastes. Try adding honey for sweetness or sriracha for heat. You can also use soy sauce for a savory twist. These small changes can make a big impact on flavor. - Refrigeration tips: Once you're done eating, place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. Always cool them down before sealing. - Freezing instructions: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the shrimp. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last for about three months in the freezer. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Best methods for reheating grilled shrimp: The best way to reheat shrimp is in a skillet over low heat. This ensures they warm evenly. You can add a splash of olive oil or a little broth to help keep them moist. - Avoiding rubbery shrimp: To avoid rubbery shrimp, heat them just until warm. Overheating causes them to become tough. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not cook longer than needed. - Pre-marinating tips: You can marinate the shrimp a day ahead. This saves time and lets the flavors soak in deeply. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to grill. - Making skewers in advance: You can also make the skewers ahead of time. Assemble them and place them in the fridge, covered until you’re ready to cook. This way, grilling becomes quick and easy! Marinating shrimp is key for flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. This allows the shrimp to soak up the chili and lime flavors. If you have time, marinate for up to two hours for a stronger taste. Just avoid marinating too long, as shrimp can become mushy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them properly. The best way is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can run them under cold water for about 15 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better. These skewers pair well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: A side of cilantro lime rice adds freshness. - Salad: A light garden salad with avocado and lime dressing complements the shrimp. - Grilled veggies: Bell peppers and zucchini add color and flavor. - Tortillas: Serve with warm tortillas for a fun twist. Try mixing and matching to find your favorite combination! This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for making chili lime grilled shrimp skewers. We looked at how to choose the best shrimp and what to do with them, including marinating and grilling. I shared tips for flavor and ways to present your dish. You can also try different proteins or cooking methods. With these ideas, you can enjoy a tasty meal. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Enjoy making these skewers!$

Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty chili lime sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 unit Zest of 1 lime
to taste unit Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
to serve unit Lime wedges

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime zest to create a marinade.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning).
Grill the shrimp skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Notes

Arrange the skewers on a serving platter, drizzling some additional marinade or olive oil over them. Serve with vibrant lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh look.

Keyword chili lime, grilled, shrimp, skewers