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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers (wooden or metal) When measuring, use dry measuring cups for solid items. For liquids, use a clear measuring cup. This helps you see the amount better. Use a microplane for zesting limes. It gives you fine zest, perfect for flavor. For garlic, mince it small for even taste. A teaspoon or tablespoon measure works well for spices. Always choose fresh shrimp. Look for firm, shiny shells. The shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them fresh and safe. Fresh shrimp cooks better and tastes great. They soak up the marinade well, giving you more flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, mix the following ingredients: - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste Stir everything together until well blended. This mixture will give your shrimp a fresh and zesty flavor. Next, it's time to add the shrimp. You will need 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Toss the shrimp in the marinade until they are fully coated. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This step helps the shrimp soak up the flavors. If you are short on time, even a quick 15-minute soak will work. Just remember, the longer the shrimp sit in the marinade, the more flavor they will absorb. Now, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Grill the skewers for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Watch them closely! Shrimp cook quickly. They are done when they turn opaque. If you overcook them, they can become tough. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Serve hot with extra lime wedges. You can also garnish with more cilantro for a fresh touch. When you skewer shrimp, use metal or soaked wooden skewers. This helps prevent burning. Leave a small space between each shrimp. This allows heat to circulate and cook them evenly. If you want, you can add colorful veggies between the shrimp. Bell peppers or zucchini work great. They add flavor and make the skewers more fun! Grill the skewers on medium-high heat. This gives you a nice char and flavor. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn opaque and curl slightly. Watch closely to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp become tough and chewy. Aim for that perfect balance of juicy and tender. One common mistake is not marinating long enough. Letting shrimp soak for 15-30 minutes makes a big difference. It helps the shrimp soak up all the tasty flavors. Be careful not to use frozen shrimp without thawing first. Cooking shrimp from frozen can lead to uneven cooking. Lastly, check for freshness before buying shrimp. Look for a clean smell and firm texture. This ensures you get the best taste from your dish! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while grilling. They only need about 2-3 minutes per side; overcooking can make them tough. Enhance the Marinade: For an extra burst of flavor, let the shrimp marinate for longer, up to 1 hour, in the refrigerator. Choose the Right Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Serving Suggestions: Pair the skewers with a fresh salad or avocado salsa for a refreshing meal that's perfect for summer. {{image_2}} To make spicy cilantro lime shrimp skewers, add more heat. You can use more red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the marinade. If you want a kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce. This will make your skewers stand out with bold flavors. The spicy kick pairs well with the fresh lime and cilantro. Adding vegetables can enhance your skewers. Bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini work well. Cut them into similar sizes as the shrimp. Toss them in the same marinade for extra flavor. Thread shrimp and veggies onto the skewers for a colorful meal. This adds nutrition and makes your dish more fun. You can try different marinades to mix things up. For a tropical twist, use coconut milk with lime juice. A soy sauce and ginger mix gives an Asian flair. You can also use a simple garlic and herb blend. Each marinade will change the taste while keeping it easy to make. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors! After cooking your shrimp skewers, let them cool. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper. If you want to freeze marinated shrimp, do it before cooking. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Add the marinade, then seal the bag tightly. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before grilling. To reheat your shrimp skewers, use the oven or grill. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If grilling, set the grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for a few minutes until they are heated through. This keeps the shrimp juicy and flavorful. You should marinate shrimp for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This time lets the flavors soak in. If you can wait longer, up to an hour is even better. Just don’t go overboard. Too long can make shrimp mushy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. After they thaw, peel and devein them if needed. This shrimp works great with the marinade. Several side dishes complement cilantro lime shrimp skewers nicely. Here are a few ideas: - Rice: Serve with cilantro lime rice for a fresh taste. - Salad: A light green salad adds crunch and freshness. - Grilled Veggies: Zucchini and bell peppers taste great alongside the shrimp. - Tortillas: Serve with warm tortillas for a fun meal. These sides enhance the meal and make it more filling. In this post, we covered key ingredients for shrimp skewers and measuring tips. We explored how to prepare the marinade and grill shrimp to perfection. I shared tips for skewering, cooking times, and avoiding mistakes. Unique variations, including spicy options and adding vegetables, were suggested. Lastly, we discussed storing and reheating leftovers. Mastering shrimp skewers lets you enjoy tasty meals. With practice, you’ll make perfect skewers every time. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty cilantro lime mixture.
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 4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 lime zest and juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste pepper
  • 1 set skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
  • Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough.
  • Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for a minute.
  • Serve hot with extra lime wedges and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning.
Keyword cilantro, grill, lime, shrimp