FREE DINNER EBOOK! Get your copy!

Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Delightful Easy Recipe

by on March 1, 2025

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to spice up your dinner with a burst of flavor? Today, I’ll share a delightful and easy recipe for Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp that will impress your taste buds. This dish packs zesty lime and a hint of heat, making it perfect for any occasion. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into the tasty ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering meal together!

For this tasty dish, you need these main ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) These ingredients work together to create a bright and zesty flavor. The lime juice adds a fresh twist, while the chili powder gives it a kick. You can mix it up with these optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for extra heat - Fresh herbs like parsley or basil - A dash of soy sauce for umami - Zest from lime for more citrus flavor Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on what you like. Cooking is all about having fun and trying new things! When choosing shrimp, look for these tips: - Choose shrimp that are firm and slightly shiny. - Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. - Look for shrimp with a clean appearance, no black spots. - If buying frozen shrimp, ensure they are not stuck together. Selecting high-quality shrimp makes a big difference in taste. It gives your chili lime grilled shrimp a fresh and vibrant flavor that everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a large bowl. Add the olive oil and fresh lime juice. Then, sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Next, add the honey, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything blends nicely. This marinade gives the shrimp a tasty kick. Now it's time to marinate the shrimp. Take your peeled and deveined shrimp and add them to the marinade. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can let it sit for up to 2 hours for even more flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps stop them from burning. Thread about 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer. Discard any leftover marinade. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when done. Keep an eye on them; they cook quickly! After grilling, let the skewers rest for a minute. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious meal! Grilling shrimp brings out their natural flavor. You can also use a skillet or broiler. Each method gives a nice char. For grilling, keep the heat at medium-high. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. If you use a skillet, add a bit of olive oil. The oil helps prevent sticking and gives great flavor. Shrimp cook fast. They can turn rubbery if you cook them too long. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. If you see them curling tightly, they are close to being done. Always watch them closely while they cook. You can boost the flavor of your shrimp in many ways. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A splash of hot sauce can add heat. For a twist, add citrus zest from lime or lemon. Marinades like this one can also be changed. Add different spices or even fruits. Experiment and find what you love! Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the shrimp, the more flavorful they will be. Aim for at least 1 hour if possible. Skewer Safely: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Watch the Time: Shrimp cook quickly! Grill them for no more than 2-3 minutes per side to avoid overcooking. Garnish for Freshness: Always serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added brightness and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the spices to change the flavor. Try using cumin, garlic, or even curry powder. Each spice can give the shrimp a new taste. If you want a kick, add cayenne pepper. For a sweeter touch, use smoked paprika. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! If you don't have shrimp, you can use chicken or firm tofu. Chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate it just like the shrimp. Tofu works well too, but press it first to remove extra water. This helps it soak up the marinade better. Both options still taste great when grilled! Serve your shrimp with sides that complement their flavor. Rice or quinoa works well. You can also try a fresh salad with avocado and corn. For a crunchy touch, add tortilla chips. Don’t forget lime wedges for squeezing on top. These sides balance the dish and make it even more enjoyable! To store leftover grilled shrimp, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. Just remember to label the container with the date. When reheating grilled shrimp, use low heat. You can warm them in a skillet for about three minutes. This method keeps them tender. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Check every 30 seconds to keep them juicy. To freeze grilled shrimp, first cool them completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Try to get rid of any air. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can make Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp ahead of time. Prepare the marinade and add the shrimp. Let them soak in the fridge for up to two hours. This lets the shrimp soak up all the flavors. If you want to save time, marinate them in the morning for dinner. Just grill them when you are ready to eat. Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: Serve with white or brown rice for a filling meal. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. - Tacos: Use the shrimp to fill soft corn tortillas. - Vegetables: Grilled or roasted veggies add a nice touch. - Quinoa: This superfood is a great source of protein. You can mix and match these sides to suit your taste. To adjust the spice level in Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp, change the chili powder amount. For more heat, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you want it milder, use less chili powder. You can also use sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika. This keeps the flavor while reducing heat. Enjoy making it just right for you! Chili lime grilled shrimp is simple and delicious. We covered key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make it easy. You learned tips for perfect shrimp and ways to switch it up. Remember to store leftovers correctly and know the best ways to reheat. Enjoy this dish with sides that enhance its flavors. With practice, you can impress everyone with your grilling skills. Now, go ahead and create your next delicious meal!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
  2. Flavor Packed: The combination of chili, lime, and spices creates a vibrant flavor profile that elevates the shrimp to the next level.
  3. Healthy Choice: Shrimp is a lean source of protein, and grilling keeps the dish light and healthy without sacrificing taste.
  4. Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add your favorite herbs to personalize this dish to your liking!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp

For this tasty dish, you need these main ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

– 2 teaspoons chili powder

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon honey

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

– Lime wedges (for serving)

These ingredients work together to create a bright and zesty flavor. The lime juice adds a fresh twist, while the chili powder gives it a kick.

Optional Ingredients for Variations

You can mix it up with these optional ingredients:

– Red pepper flakes for extra heat

– Fresh herbs like parsley or basil

– A dash of soy sauce for umami

– Zest from lime for more citrus flavor

Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on what you like. Cooking is all about having fun and trying new things!

Quality Tips for Selecting Shrimp

When choosing shrimp, look for these tips:

– Choose shrimp that are firm and slightly shiny.

– Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy.

– Look for shrimp with a clean appearance, no black spots.

– If buying frozen shrimp, ensure they are not stuck together.

Selecting high-quality shrimp makes a big difference in taste. It gives your chili lime grilled shrimp a fresh and vibrant flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Marinade

To make the marinade, grab a large bowl. Add the olive oil and fresh lime juice. Then, sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Next, add the honey, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything blends nicely. This marinade gives the shrimp a tasty kick.

Marinating the Shrimp

Now it’s time to marinate the shrimp. Take your peeled and deveined shrimp and add them to the marinade. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can let it sit for up to 2 hours for even more flavor.

Grilling the Shrimp

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps stop them from burning. Thread about 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer. Discard any leftover marinade. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when done. Keep an eye on them; they cook quickly! After grilling, let the skewers rest for a minute. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips & Tricks

Best Cooking Methods for Shrimp

Grilling shrimp brings out their natural flavor. You can also use a skillet or broiler. Each method gives a nice char. For grilling, keep the heat at medium-high. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. If you use a skillet, add a bit of olive oil. The oil helps prevent sticking and gives great flavor.

Preventing Shrimp from Overcooking

Shrimp cook fast. They can turn rubbery if you cook them too long. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. If you see them curling tightly, they are close to being done. Always watch them closely while they cook.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

You can boost the flavor of your shrimp in many ways. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A splash of hot sauce can add heat. For a twist, add citrus zest from lime or lemon. Marinades like this one can also be changed. Add different spices or even fruits. Experiment and find what you love!

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the shrimp, the more flavorful they will be. Aim for at least 1 hour if possible.
  2. Skewer Safely: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
  3. Watch the Time: Shrimp cook quickly! Grill them for no more than 2-3 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.
  4. Garnish for Freshness: Always serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added brightness and flavor.

Variations

Grilled Shrimp with Different Spices

You can switch up the spices to change the flavor. Try using cumin, garlic, or even curry powder. Each spice can give the shrimp a new taste. If you want a kick, add cayenne pepper. For a sweeter touch, use smoked paprika. Mix and match to find your favorite combo!

Substitutions for Shrimp

If you don’t have shrimp, you can use chicken or firm tofu. Chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate it just like the shrimp. Tofu works well too, but press it first to remove extra water. This helps it soak up the marinade better. Both options still taste great when grilled!

Serving Suggestions with Sides

Serve your shrimp with sides that complement their flavor. Rice or quinoa works well. You can also try a fresh salad with avocado and corn. For a crunchy touch, add tortilla chips. Don’t forget lime wedges for squeezing on top. These sides balance the dish and make it even more enjoyable!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Grilled Shrimp

To store leftover grilled shrimp, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. Just remember to label the container with the date.

Reheating Tips for Best Results

When reheating grilled shrimp, use low heat. You can warm them in a skillet for about three minutes. This method keeps them tender. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Check every 30 seconds to keep them juicy.

Freezing Guidelines

To freeze grilled shrimp, first cool them completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Try to get rid of any air. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I make Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp ahead of time. Prepare the marinade and add the shrimp. Let them soak in the fridge for up to two hours. This lets the shrimp soak up all the flavors. If you want to save time, marinate them in the morning for dinner. Just grill them when you are ready to eat.

What can I serve with Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp?

Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:

– Rice: Serve with white or brown rice for a filling meal.

– Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and color.

– Tacos: Use the shrimp to fill soft corn tortillas.

– Vegetables: Grilled or roasted veggies add a nice touch.

– Quinoa: This superfood is a great source of protein.

You can mix and match these sides to suit your taste.

How can I make this recipe spicy or milder?

To adjust the spice level in Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp, change the chili powder amount. For more heat, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you want it milder, use less chili powder. You can also use sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika. This keeps the flavor while reducing heat. Enjoy making it just right for you!

Chili lime grilled shrimp is simple and delicious. We covered key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make it easy. You learned tips for perfect shrimp and ways to switch it up. Remember to store leftovers correctly and know the best ways to reheat. Enjoy this dish with sides that enhance its flavors. With practice, you can impress everyone with your grilling skills. Now, go ahead and create your next delicious mea

For this tasty dish, you need these main ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) These ingredients work together to create a bright and zesty flavor. The lime juice adds a fresh twist, while the chili powder gives it a kick. You can mix it up with these optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for extra heat - Fresh herbs like parsley or basil - A dash of soy sauce for umami - Zest from lime for more citrus flavor Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on what you like. Cooking is all about having fun and trying new things! When choosing shrimp, look for these tips: - Choose shrimp that are firm and slightly shiny. - Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. - Look for shrimp with a clean appearance, no black spots. - If buying frozen shrimp, ensure they are not stuck together. Selecting high-quality shrimp makes a big difference in taste. It gives your chili lime grilled shrimp a fresh and vibrant flavor that everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a large bowl. Add the olive oil and fresh lime juice. Then, sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Next, add the honey, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything blends nicely. This marinade gives the shrimp a tasty kick. Now it's time to marinate the shrimp. Take your peeled and deveined shrimp and add them to the marinade. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can let it sit for up to 2 hours for even more flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps stop them from burning. Thread about 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer. Discard any leftover marinade. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when done. Keep an eye on them; they cook quickly! After grilling, let the skewers rest for a minute. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious meal! Grilling shrimp brings out their natural flavor. You can also use a skillet or broiler. Each method gives a nice char. For grilling, keep the heat at medium-high. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. If you use a skillet, add a bit of olive oil. The oil helps prevent sticking and gives great flavor. Shrimp cook fast. They can turn rubbery if you cook them too long. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. If you see them curling tightly, they are close to being done. Always watch them closely while they cook. You can boost the flavor of your shrimp in many ways. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A splash of hot sauce can add heat. For a twist, add citrus zest from lime or lemon. Marinades like this one can also be changed. Add different spices or even fruits. Experiment and find what you love! Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the shrimp, the more flavorful they will be. Aim for at least 1 hour if possible. Skewer Safely: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Watch the Time: Shrimp cook quickly! Grill them for no more than 2-3 minutes per side to avoid overcooking. Garnish for Freshness: Always serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added brightness and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the spices to change the flavor. Try using cumin, garlic, or even curry powder. Each spice can give the shrimp a new taste. If you want a kick, add cayenne pepper. For a sweeter touch, use smoked paprika. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! If you don't have shrimp, you can use chicken or firm tofu. Chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate it just like the shrimp. Tofu works well too, but press it first to remove extra water. This helps it soak up the marinade better. Both options still taste great when grilled! Serve your shrimp with sides that complement their flavor. Rice or quinoa works well. You can also try a fresh salad with avocado and corn. For a crunchy touch, add tortilla chips. Don’t forget lime wedges for squeezing on top. These sides balance the dish and make it even more enjoyable! To store leftover grilled shrimp, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. Just remember to label the container with the date. When reheating grilled shrimp, use low heat. You can warm them in a skillet for about three minutes. This method keeps them tender. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Check every 30 seconds to keep them juicy. To freeze grilled shrimp, first cool them completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Try to get rid of any air. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can make Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp ahead of time. Prepare the marinade and add the shrimp. Let them soak in the fridge for up to two hours. This lets the shrimp soak up all the flavors. If you want to save time, marinate them in the morning for dinner. Just grill them when you are ready to eat. Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: Serve with white or brown rice for a filling meal. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. - Tacos: Use the shrimp to fill soft corn tortillas. - Vegetables: Grilled or roasted veggies add a nice touch. - Quinoa: This superfood is a great source of protein. You can mix and match these sides to suit your taste. To adjust the spice level in Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp, change the chili powder amount. For more heat, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you want it milder, use less chili powder. You can also use sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika. This keeps the flavor while reducing heat. Enjoy making it just right for you! Chili lime grilled shrimp is simple and delicious. We covered key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make it easy. You learned tips for perfect shrimp and ways to switch it up. Remember to store leftovers correctly and know the best ways to reheat. Enjoy this dish with sides that enhance its flavors. With practice, you can impress everyone with your grilling skills. Now, go ahead and create your next delicious meal!

Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp

A zesty and flavorful grilled shrimp dish marinated in chili and lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Add the shrimp to the marinade, making sure they are all coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers (around 4-5 per skewer) and discard any leftover marinade.
  • Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Make sure to keep an eye on them as they cook quickly!
  • Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
  • Serve the grilled shrimp garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Marinate for longer for more intense flavor.
Keyword chili lime, grilled, seafood, shrimp

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?