Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp is the perfect dish for summer gatherings and casual weeknight dinners. This recipe features succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty cilantro lime mixture, bringing vibrant flavors to your table. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just craving something light and fresh, this dish will surely impress. Enjoy it with avocado and a creamy yogurt sauce for a delightful twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 14 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lime, cilantro, and spices creates an irresistible marinade that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these grilled shrimp as an appetizer, main course, or topping for salads and tacos.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish fits well into various diets while being low in calories.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family gatherings or outdoor parties, everyone will love the fresh taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- wooden skewers
- grill or grill pan
- mixing bowl
- measuring spoons
- knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden skewers: These are essential for easy handling of shrimp on the grill.
- Grill or grill pan: Provides high heat for quick cooking and adds delicious char marks to your shrimp.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating your shrimp to ensure they are evenly coated in flavor.
Ingredients
This is a totally delicious shrimp recipe to serve all summer long.
For the Marinade
- 1 pound shrimp, (peeled and de-veined)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 1 medium lime, (juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic, (minced)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
For Serving
- fresh lime wedges
- 1 medium avocado
For the Creamy Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 medium lime, (juiced)
- 1 tablespoon dry Ranch dressing seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
How to Make Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, and chopped cilantro. Whisk until well blended.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss until all shrimp are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp
Thread the marinated shrimp onto wooden skewers. Make sure to leave some space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, milk, chopped cilantro, lime juice, Ranch seasoning, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Step 7: Serve
Remove skewers from grill. Serve grilled cilantro lime shrimp with fresh lime wedges and avocado slices alongside the creamy sauce. Enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Tacos
- Fresh tortillas make an excellent base for grilled shrimp. Top them with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a tasty treat.
Salad
- Create a refreshing salad by adding grilled shrimp on mixed greens. Drizzle with a lime vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.
Rice Bowl
- Serve grilled shrimp over a bed of rice, topped with black beans and corn. This hearty bowl is filling and delicious.
Skewers Appetizer
- Present the grilled shrimp on skewers as an appetizer. Perfect for parties, they are easy to grab and enjoy!
How to Perfect Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp
To achieve the best flavor and texture for your grilled shrimp, follow these handy tips.
Marinate Longer: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This enhances the flavors from the lime and spices.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice provide vibrant flavors. Avoid using bottled versions if possible.
Pre-soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
Don’t Overcook: Grill the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Street Corn: This flavorful dish features corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with diced veggies and lime vinaigrette adds a healthy touch.
- Black Bean Salsa: Combine black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, and avocado for a zesty salsa that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is always a hit! It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness to your meal.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime pairs wonderfully with shrimp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.
- Skipping the marination: Marinating the shrimp allows flavors to soak in. Make sure to marinate for at least 15 minutes for the best taste.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Avoid overcooking by monitoring them closely; they should turn pink and opaque.
- Using wooden skewers without soaking: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Not preheating the grill: A properly preheated grill ensures even cooking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks. Always preheat for at least 10 minutes before grilling.
- Ignoring seasoning balance: The right balance of spices is crucial. Taste your marinade and adjust according to your preferences before adding the shrimp.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure it is cooled down before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- Place shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Lay flat in the freezer for even freezing and easier storage.
Reheating Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and sauté shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but it’s best to thaw them completely before marinating.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a C shape and have an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C).
What sides pair well with Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad complement this dish nicely and enhance its vibrant flavors.
How can I customize the marinade?
Feel free to experiment with different spices or add more herbs like parsley or basil for additional flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the shrimp several hours ahead of grilling. Just ensure you store them properly in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp is not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve on various occasions. Its refreshing flavors make it perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize the spices or serve it over rice or salad for added variety!
Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This quick and easy recipe features tender shrimp marinated in a zesty cilantro lime sauce, making it ideal for barbecues, casual dinners, or even as a topping for salads and tacos. The combination of honey, lime, and spices creates an irresistible marinade that enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp. Serve it alongside creamy yogurt sauce and fresh avocado for a delightful twist that will impress your guests!
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium lime (juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- fresh lime wedges
- 1 medium avocado
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 medium lime (juiced)
- 1 tablespoon dry Ranch dressing seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, and cilantro.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated shrimp onto wooden skewers with space between each piece.
- Grill the skewers for about 2 minutes on each side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- For the creamy sauce, mix Greek yogurt, milk, cilantro, lime juice, ranch seasoning, and salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve grilled shrimp with fresh lime wedges, avocado slices, and creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Marinate shrimp longer (up to 30 minutes) for enhanced flavor. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Pre-soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
