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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - Wooden or metal skewers - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, finely chopped - Lime wedges for serving For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp. The marinade brings a zesty kick that pairs well with the shrimp. Soaking wooden skewers helps prevent them from burning. You can choose metal skewers if you have them. Fresh cilantro adds color and taste on top. Lime wedges give a fresh burst when served. Enjoy these colorful skewers at your next gathering! {{ingredient_image_2}} If you use wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes in water. This helps prevent burning. For metal skewers, you can skip this step. Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting. It makes the process smoother and more fun. In a mixing bowl, combine the following: - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. The marinade gives the shrimp a great taste, with zesty and smoky notes. Now, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss gently so that each shrimp gets coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This step is key for deep flavor. While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill is what gives your shrimp those nice grill marks. After marinating, carefully thread the shrimp onto the skewers. Aim for 4-5 shrimp per skewer. This spacing helps them cook evenly. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to turn pink and opaque. Watch closely to avoid overcooking. Once done, take the skewers off the grill. Arrange them on a platter. For a pop of color, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Serve with lime wedges for an extra citrusy kick. You can also place them on a bed of mixed greens or with grilled veggies for added flair. Enjoy your tasty chili lime shrimp skewers! Grilling shrimp is fun and easy. Here are some tips to help you: - Use a hot grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This gives shrimp nice grill marks. - Don’t overcrowd the skewers: Place 4-5 shrimp per skewer. This helps them cook evenly. - Watch the time: Grill each side for 2-3 minutes. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them. - Use tongs: They help flip the skewers easily without losing shrimp. When buying shrimp, look for these points: - Freshness: Choose shrimp that smell like the sea. Avoid any with a strong fishy odor. - Size: Large shrimp work best for skewers. Look for 16-20 count per pound. - Shell condition: The shell should be shiny and moist. Avoid any that look dry or dull. - Sustainability: Check if the shrimp are wild-caught or farmed sustainably. If you can’t grill, here are two great ways to cook shrimp: - Oven baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for about 6-8 minutes. - Broiling: Set your broiler to high. Place the skewers on an oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes per side. Both methods give you delicious, juicy shrimp with a slightly different texture. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the shrimp for 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, resulting in an even tastier dish. Use Fresh Shrimp: Whenever possible, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before marinating. Experiment with Other Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking. Adding cayenne pepper for heat or oregano for an herby touch can elevate the dish! Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque. {{image_4}} To turn up the heat, add more chili powder. You can also include crushed red pepper flakes. If you love heat, try using fresh jalapeños. Slice them thin and add to the marinade. This will give your shrimp a nice kick. If you're feeling bold, consider using habanero or serrano peppers. Just remember, a little goes a long way! You can make your skewers more colorful and healthy by adding veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work well. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Alternate shrimp and veggies on the skewers for a fun look. Not only do they add flavor, but they also add great texture. Plus, they grill beautifully alongside the shrimp! Different sauces can enhance your shrimp skewers. Try a creamy avocado sauce for a cool contrast. A tangy mango salsa adds a sweet twist. You can also serve them with spicy aioli for an extra kick. Each sauce brings its own flavor, making your meal more exciting. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! After cooking, let the Chili Lime Shrimp Skewers cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the skewers together to maintain their flavor. If you separate the shrimp from the skewers, they will stay fresh longer. To reheat the shrimp, use a skillet over medium heat. This keeps them juicy and warm. Heat for about 3-4 minutes or until they are hot. You can also use a microwave. If you choose this method, cover the shrimp with a damp paper towel. This helps prevent drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will stay good for about three months. To use them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should marinate the shrimp for 20 to 30 minutes. This time lets the shrimp soak up all the flavors. If you marinate too long, the acid from the lime juice can make the shrimp tough. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Pat them dry before marinating to keep the flavors strong. A gas or charcoal grill works great for shrimp skewers. Both types give shrimp a nice char and smoky flavor. A grill pan on the stove is fine too if you don't have an outdoor grill. Absolutely! You can make the marinade a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge until you're ready. This saves time and lets the flavors blend even more. Chili lime shrimp skewers are easy to make and packed with flavor. We covered key ingredients, marinade tips, grilling steps, and how to serve. Remember to marinate the shrimp well for the best taste. Enjoy experimenting with veggie additions and spicy variations. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. This dish fits any occasion, whether you're grilling or using the oven. With these tips, you can create a fantastic meal that impresses. Dive into the joy of grilling and savor every bite!

Chili Lime Shrimp Skewers

Zesty and smoky shrimp skewers perfect for grilling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • for serving lime wedges
  • as needed wooden or metal skewers

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in a bowl of water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
  • Make the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss gently to ensure each shrimp is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
  • Preheat for Grilling: While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Skewer the Shrimp: Once the shrimp is well-marinated, carefully thread them onto the skewers, placing about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  • Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
  • Serve & Garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them beautifully on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For added flair, serve the skewers on a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled vegetables.
Keyword chili lime, grilling, shrimp, skewers