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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Additional spices and seasonings The star of this dish is the shrimp. I like to use large shrimp for a nice bite. They soak up the flavors well. Fresh cilantro adds a bright taste. You can adjust the amount based on your love for cilantro. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste The marinade is key for great flavor. I use olive oil to help the spices stick. Lime juice gives a zesty kick. The garlic adds depth. Chili powder and cumin bring warmth. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. - Lime wedges for serving - Skewer options: wooden or metal Lime wedges are a must. They add a fresh burst when squeezed over the shrimp. For skewers, you can use wooden or metal. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first. This helps prevent burning on the grill. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, start by mixing the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until it combines into a smooth mixture. This marinade gives the shrimp a fresh and zesty flavor. Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Make sure each shrimp gets coated in the marinade. This step is vital. A good coating means more flavor. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. You should marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up all the flavors. If you can wait longer, one to two hours is even better. The longer they sit, the more flavor they absorb. For the best results, place the bowl in the fridge. Cold temperatures help the shrimp stay fresh. If you want a bit more taste, consider adding extra lime juice or garlic to the marinade. Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step ensures even cooking. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning on the grill. Now, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece. This space allows heat to circulate and cook the shrimp evenly. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Once ready, take them off the grill and serve immediately with lime wedges. How to avoid overcooking shrimp? To keep shrimp tender, watch the cooking time closely. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They turn pink when done. If you leave them too long, they get tough and chewy. Ideal grill temperature for skewers? Set your grill to medium-high heat. This helps cook the shrimp evenly and quickly. A hot grill gives you a nice char and keeps the shrimp juicy. Best practices for marinating shrimp? Mix the marinade well, so all flavors blend. Coat the shrimp fully to grab the taste. Let them soak in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the shrimp absorb the flavors. Experimenting with additional flavors? Feel free to switch up the marinade! Try adding honey for sweetness or sriracha for heat. You can also use different herbs, like parsley or dill, for a fresh twist. How to space shrimp for even cooking? When threading shrimp onto skewers, leave a small gap between each one. This space allows heat to circulate and cooks them evenly. If they are too close, they may steam instead of grill. Choosing the right skewer type? You can use wooden or metal skewers. If you pick wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step keeps them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers are easier to reuse and can handle high heat. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. This enhances the flavor without compromising the shrimp's texture. Perfect Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the shrimp cook quickly, preventing them from becoming tough. Use a Timer: Set a timer for 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp cook quickly, and timing is crucial to avoid overcooking. Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh cilantro makes a significant difference in flavor. Avoid dried herbs for this recipe to get the best taste. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your cilantro lime shrimp skewers by using different herbs or spices. Instead of cilantro, try parsley or basil for a fresh twist. You can also use fresh oregano for an earthy flavor. If you want to swap shrimp, you can use chicken or tofu. Both options soak up flavors well. Just cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. To add some heat, consider adding jalapeños to your skewers. You can also use a spicy marinade with chili paste or hot sauce. This way, you can create a kick that balances well with the lime. Adding vegetables on skewers can enhance the meal's color and texture. Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes work great. They add flavor and nutrition, making your dish more vibrant. If you don't have a grill, oven-broiling is a great option. Preheat your oven to a high temperature. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and broil for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This method gives you that grilled flavor without the grill. For stovetop grilling, you can use a grill pan. Heat it over medium-high heat, and cook the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method is fast and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight. To store cooked shrimp skewers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and prevents drying. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do it gently. The microwave works, but use low power. This helps keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery. If possible, reheat on the stovetop. Heat a pan over low heat and add a splash of water. Cover the pan to steam the shrimp back to life. For uncooked marinated shrimp, use a sealed container. This keeps the flavors locked in. Store them in the fridge for no more than 24 hours. If you need to prepare ahead, consider freezing the marinated shrimp. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to defrost them in the fridge overnight before cooking. This keeps them safe and tasty. You should marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak in all the flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. Just remember not to go overboard! Too long can make the shrimp mushy. To enhance the flavor, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. This keeps the shrimp cold while they soak up the marinade. Cilantro lime shrimp skewers pair well with many side dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Rice: A side of fluffy jasmine or cilantro lime rice works great. - Salad: A fresh green salad with tomatoes and avocado adds crunch. - Grilled veggies: Bell peppers and zucchini complement the shrimp perfectly. - Tacos: Use the shrimp in corn tortillas with your favorite toppings. These sides add balance to the meal and enhance the shrimp's bright flavors. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them properly. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can run cold water over the shrimp in a bowl for about 10-15 minutes. Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better. Then, follow the recipe as usual for juicy, flavorful skewers. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious cilantro lime shrimp skewers. We discussed the main ingredients and marinade components that boost flavor. I shared tips for preparing, marinating, and grilling shrimp perfectly. You learned about variations to spice things up and how to store leftovers. With these tips, you'll make great skewers every time. Enjoying your meals will be easy and fun!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

Delicious shrimp marinated in a zesty cilantro lime mixture and grilled to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 third cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 half teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
  • 1 Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water to prevent burning.
  • Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
  • Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Keyword cilantro, grilled, lime, shrimp, skewers