Jalapeño Lime Grilled Shrimp

$- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined) - 2 fresh jalapeños (finely chopped, seeds removed) - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 4 cloves garlic (minced) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro (chopped for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) This recipe is simple, yet it packs a punch of flavor. I love using fresh ingredients that bring out the best in this dish. The shrimp should be large, peeled, and deveined. This makes them easy to grill and ensures they soak up the marinade well. The jalapeños add a nice kick. Make sure to remove the seeds if you want less heat. The zest and juice of the limes brighten the dish. You’ll want both for a fresh taste. For the marinade, I use minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and smoked paprika. The garlic adds depth, the olive oil keeps the shrimp moist, and the honey balances the heat and acidity. Smoked paprika gives a unique warmth that enhances the shrimp's flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper. These basic seasonings bring out the best in all your ingredients. Fresh cilantro adds a lovely herbaceous note, and lime wedges are perfect for serving. They add an extra burst of flavor when squeezed over the grilled shrimp. Gather these ingredients and get ready to create a flavorful dish that impresses! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine these items: - 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix them well. This mix is your marinade. The jalapeños add heat, while lime gives a fresh taste. Garlic adds depth, and honey balances the spice. Now, it’s time for the shrimp! Add 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp to your bowl. Make sure every shrimp gets coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can leave it for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs. Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes first. This step keeps them from burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-6 shrimp per skewer. Now, place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough, so stay alert! Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. If you want more taste, let them sit for up to 2 hours. This gives the shrimp time to soak up all those yummy flavors from the marinade. The lime juice and jalapeños will really make a difference. To cook shrimp evenly, heat the grill to medium-high. Thread the shrimp on skewers, about 4-6 per skewer. Grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch them closely! Overcooking makes shrimp tough. You want them pink and opaque, not rubbery. Serve the shrimp on a bright platter. Drizzle some lime juice over them for a fresh look. Add chopped cilantro on top for color. For a fun side, pair them with grilled veggies or a fresh salad. Lime wedges on the side add a nice touch too. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor. Control the Heat: If you prefer less heat, make sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping them. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque; overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges not only add flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily adjust the heat of your jalapeño lime grilled shrimp. If you want more spice, keep the seeds in the jalapeños. They add heat! For a milder dish, remove the seeds before chopping. You can also try using serrano peppers for a different flavor. Each option gives a unique taste and heat level. Feel free to enhance the shrimp with more spices or herbs. Try adding cumin or cayenne for extra warmth. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also brighten the dish. You can even mix in some lime zest for a stronger citrus flavor. These small changes can make a big impact on taste. If you don't have a grill, you can still enjoy this dish! Use a stovetop grill pan or broil the shrimp in your oven. For stovetop grilling, heat the pan on medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. If broiling, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and broil for about 2-4 minutes. Make sure to watch closely so they don't overcook. No matter the method, you'll end up with delicious shrimp! To store leftover Jalapeño Lime Grilled Shrimp, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the shrimp cools down to room temperature first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat it, check for any off smells. If it smells good, it should be safe to enjoy. If you want to freeze the grilled shrimp, it’s easy! First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to use it, thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight. To reheat shrimp, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist. Stir gently for about five minutes until they are warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough. Always check if they are heated through before serving. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them first. To thaw, place shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. You can also leave them in the fridge overnight. Rinse the shrimp under cold water once thawed. This helps remove any ice and keeps them fresh. Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They curl into a nice C shape. If you see gray or translucent areas, they need more time on the grill. Always cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery. For a balanced meal, pair the shrimp with: - Grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - A fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette - Cilantro lime rice for a tasty side - Corn on the cob for a sweet crunch These sides complement the shrimp's bold flavors and create a colorful plate. In this post, we covered a simple recipe for Jalapeño Lime Grilled Shrimp. We discussed the key ingredients, how to prepare the marinade, and grilling tips. I shared ways to adjust the spice level and creative serving ideas. Remember, marinating shrimp boosts flavor and proper cooking prevents overcooking. Enjoy this dish with your choice of sides for a tasty meal. Cooking should be fun, so use this recipe as your base and make it your own. Happy grilling!$

Spicy and zesty grilled shrimp marinated in jalapeño and lime.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 whole fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
2 whole limes (zest and juice)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
to taste lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped jalapeños, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the shrimp to the bowl, ensuring they are all well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (about 4-6 shrimp per skewer).
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Arrange the shrimp skewers on a platter and drizzle some extra lime juice over them. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a vibrant meal.

Keyword grilled, jalapeño, lime, shrimp, spicy