This Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp is a fresh and zesty dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues! The shrimp are marinated in a bright mixture of lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Who can resist juicy, tasty shrimp right off the grill? I love serving it with rice or fresh veggies. It’s like a mini vacation on a plate! 🌮
The best part is how quick it is to prepare. Just marinate, skewer, and grill—you’ll have a delicious meal in no time! Can’t wait to share this with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this dish, but you can use prawns or even scallops if you prefer. If seafood isn’t your thing, try using chicken or firm tofu as alternatives.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brings great flavor. If limes aren’t available, lemon juice will work, though it has a different taste. A splash of vinegar can also add acidity.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a unique taste. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good substitute. Just remember it’ll change the flavor slightly.
Cumin: Ground cumin gives warmth and earthiness. Ground coriander can work as a substitute, giving a milder flavor. You can also omit it if you want a lighter taste.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional for heat, but if you’re looking for spice, try chili powder or paprika instead.
How Do You Get the Shrimp Just Right on the Grill?
Grilling shrimp can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get them just right every time. Remember, shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
- Always marinate your shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This infuses great flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If it’s too hot, your shrimp may char without cooking through.
- Use skewers to keep shrimp together, but don’t crowd them. Leave space for even cooking.
- Grill shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn opaque and slightly curl when done!
- If you overcook them, they can become rubbery, so remove them from the grill as soon as they’re ready.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the shrimp. Then, grilling will only take about 6-8 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour for the entire process, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime zest, ground cumin, and optional cayenne pepper. Taste the marinade and add salt and black pepper according to your preference. This flavorful mixture will give the shrimp a delicious zing!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade, making sure they are all well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes, and if you have time, up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
3. Preheat and Prepare for Grilling:
While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. This will help keep your shrimp safe and secure while grilling!
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp are done marinating, thread them onto the soaked skewers. Leave a little space between each shrimp so they cook evenly. This step makes it easy to handle the shrimp on the grill.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the skewered shrimp on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough if cooked too long!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once grilled, carefully remove the shrimp from the skewers and transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle them with some extra chopped cilantro and lime zest for a fresh finish. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy this bright and zesty shrimp dish!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just remember to thaw the shrimp before marinating. The best way to thaw shrimp is to leave them in the fridge overnight or submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture before marinating.
What Can I Substitute for Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can use parsley or basil as a substitute. While the flavor will change a bit, both options will still give your shrimp a fresh taste. Just chop it up finely and add it to the marinade!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Shrimp
Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can quickly warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes, but be careful not to overcook them again!
Can I Grill the Shrimp Without Skewers?
Yes, you can grill shrimp directly on the grill grates! Just make sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking, or use a grill basket for easier handling. Keep an eye on them, as they’ll still cook quickly!
