Zesty Grilled Lime Shrimp Recipe: Summer’s Sizzling Delight

Lime shrimp spark culinary excitement with their vibrant tropical essence and zesty marine profile.

Seafood lovers appreciate these succulent crustaceans for their versatile cooking potential.

Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisines frequently showcase this delightful protein as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Each delicate morsel promises a tantalizing blend of citrusy brightness and oceanic richness.

The marinade crafts ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary gastronomic experience that awakens taste buds.

Grilling techniques elevate these shrimp from simple to spectacular, creating charred edges and intense flavor concentrations.

Summer gatherings and beachside dinners become memorable moments when these lime-infused delicacies hit the plate.

Why Grilled Lime Shrimp Is Bursting with Zesty Flavor

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: The lime-infused marinade transforms ordinary shrimp into a tangy, vibrant dish that dances with bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs.
• Master Quick Grilling Technique: This recipe offers a foolproof method for perfectly cooked shrimp with beautiful char marks, taking just minutes to prepare and grill to succulent perfection.
• Create Effortless Summer Entertaining: Impressive yet simple, these lime shrimp skewers are ideal for casual gatherings, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum flavor that will wow your guests.
• Customize with Ease: The flexible recipe allows for personalization by adjusting marinade ingredients or adding different herbs, making it adaptable to various taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need for Perfect Grilled Lime Shrimp

• Shrimp: Extra jumbo size ensures meaty, substantial bites with perfect grilling texture.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents shrimp from sticking to grill.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to enhance overall dish.
• Jalapeno: Provides subtle heat and fresh pepper complexity.

• Brown Sugar: Balances heat and creates slight caramelization on shrimp.
• Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin: Creates depth of flavor with smoky, spicy, and earthy notes.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural shrimp taste.

• Fresh Lime Slices: Optional skewer accompaniment and bright citrus accent.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for adding color and herbal freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Provides zesty citrus squeeze for extra flavor at serving.

Grilling Grilled Lime Shrimp with a Tangy Twist

Step 1: Soak Wooden Skewers

If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 2: Create Zesty Marinade

• Olive oil
• Fresh lime juice
• Garlic cloves
• Chopped cilantro
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until smooth and vibrant green.

Step 3: Marinate Seafood

Place clean shrimp in a large bowl and pour marinade over them. Gently toss to ensure even coating. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, stirring once halfway through.

Step 4: Prepare Grill

Heat outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Brush grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Assemble Skewers

Thread marinated shrimp onto prepared skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece. Optional: Add lime wedges between shrimp for extra flavor.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on hot grill. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and develop light char marks.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer grilled skewers to serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Expert Tips for Juicy Grilled Lime Shrimp

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let shrimp sit in the marinade for the full 2-3 hours to develop deep, zesty lime and herb notes.
• Check Shrimp Doneness: Look for opaque, pinkish-white color and slight curl as signs of perfectly cooked shrimp; avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
• Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve beautiful char marks without drying out the delicate shrimp.
• Cilantro Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro just before serving to keep the herb's bright, fresh flavor and vibrant green color.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Grilled Lime Shrimp

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying out.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwaving, as it can make shrimp tough and rubbery, compromising the delicate texture and flavor.

What Complements Grilled Lime Shrimp on the Plate

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the zesty lime and grilled flavors with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the shrimp's richness and complementing its bright citrus notes.
• Serve with Fresh Tropical Salsa: Create a vibrant side of diced mango, red onion, and jalapeño to match the shrimp's tangy marinade, adding a refreshing and spicy counterpoint to the grilled seafood.
• Match with Coconut Rice: Prepare a creamy coconut rice that balances the lime's acidity and provides a smooth, sweet backdrop to the charred, citrusy shrimp, creating a harmonious Caribbean-inspired plate.
• Complement with Light Beer: Choose a Mexican-style lager or a wheat beer with subtle citrus undertones to refresh the palate and echo the shrimp's lime marinade, perfect for summer grilling.

Flavor Variations for Your Grilled Lime Shrimp Game

• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery flavor that complements the lime's brightness.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace olive oil with oregano-infused oil and add crumbled feta cheese after grilling for a Greek-inspired version.
• Coconut Caribbean Fusion: Swap part of the olive oil with coconut milk and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the finished shrimp for a tropical transformation.
• Herb Garden Selection: Mix fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, and dill into the marinade to create a vibrant, garden-fresh profile that enhances the seafood's natural sweetness.

Grilled Lime Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lime shrimp sizzle with Mexican-inspired flair, promising a quick and punchy seafood dinner. Marinade infuses juicy prawns with citrus tang, while grill marks add smoky depth for maximum flavor satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) raw extra jumbo shrimp (16–20 per pound), peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar

Marinade and Garnish:

• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño
• Thin slices of fresh lime (if placing shrimp on skewers)
• Chopped cilantro for garnish
• Wedges of fresh lime for squeezing over top of grilled shrimp

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Instructions

1. Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during grilling, ensuring even cooking and preventing potential fire hazards.
2. Create a zesty marinade by blending olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and seasonings until the mixture becomes a smooth, fragrant liquid.
3. Gently coat peeled and deveined shrimp with the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Refrigerate the marinating shrimp for 2-3 hours, occasionally repositioning the seafood to promote uniform seasoning and tenderness.
5. Preheat the grill to medium-high temperature and lightly oil the cooking grates to prevent sticking and facilitate easy shrimp removal.
6. Thread marinated shrimp onto pre-soaked skewers, interspersing with fresh lime slices to enhance visual appeal and infuse additional citrus notes.
7. Carefully place skewered shrimp on the hot grill, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until they transform from translucent to opaque with appealing char marks.
8. Transfer grilled shrimp to a decorative platter, garnishing generously with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
9. Accompany the dish with lime wedges, allowing diners to squeeze additional citrus flavor over the succulent grilled shrimp just before enjoying.

Notes

• Wooden skewers transform into fire-resistant tools when soaked in water before grilling.
• Lime slices nestled between succulent shrimp create vibrant visual and flavor contrast during cooking.
• Marinating seafood requires gentle folding to ensure each delicate piece absorbs zesty citrus and herb-infused flavors.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg