Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Wooden or metal skewers To make cilantro lime shrimp skewers, you need precise ingredients. Start with one pound of large shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for the best taste. Next, chop a quarter cup of fresh cilantro. Fresh herbs enhance flavor. You’ll also need two tablespoons of olive oil. This adds richness and helps coat the shrimp. For the zest and juice, use two limes. Lime gives a bright, fresh taste. You’ll also need two cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds depth to the marinade. Then, grab one teaspoon of cumin and half a teaspoon of paprika. These spices bring warmth and color. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. If you can’t find fresh cilantro, try fresh parsley. It has a milder taste but still works well. For olive oil, avocado oil is a good choice. It has a similar flavor and is great for grilling. If you’re out of limes, you can use lemons instead. They add a tangy taste too. If you don’t have cumin, smoked paprika can add a different but tasty twist. You can also use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic. Just remember to adjust the amount. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making the marinade. In a mixing bowl, add olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well. This step is key. It helps the shrimp soak in all that flavor. Once mixed, add the shrimp to the bowl. Toss them gently. Make sure each shrimp gets a good coating. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let them marinate for up to 2 hours. The longer, the better! For the marinade, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use fresh cilantro for the best taste. The lime juice adds a bright zing. The garlic and spices give depth. Make sure to zest the limes before juicing. That zest packs a punch! If you want a little kick, add red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, skip the spice. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Taste the marinade before adding the shrimp. This way, you can adjust it to your palate. Now, it's time to grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first. This keeps them from burning on the grill. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer. Don’t overcrowd them. Space helps them cook evenly. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are ready when they turn opaque and have a slight char. Let them rest for a minute after grilling. This helps keep them juicy. Serve the skewers hot and enjoy! When picking shrimp, look for a firm texture. The shells should be shiny and clean. Fresh shrimp also smell like the sea, not fishy. If you can, buy shrimp with shells on. They stay fresh longer. Always check the sell-by date if you buy pre-packed shrimp. To skewer shrimp well, use wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step stops them from burning. Thread 4-5 shrimp on each skewer. Make sure they are close but not touching. This way, they cook evenly on the grill. Change up the marinade to suit your taste. You can add more lime juice for a zesty kick. Try adding a pinch of chili powder for some heat. If you want a sweeter taste, mix in a bit of honey. Let the shrimp soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors sink in and makes the shrimp even tastier. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and cilantro to enhance the flavor profile of your skewers. Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to add additional spices or herbs to the marinade for a personalized touch! Watch Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly; be attentive to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery. Experiment with Sides: These skewers pair well with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a zesty salad. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor with different spices. Try adding chili powder or cayenne for heat. For a sweet touch, mix in honey or brown sugar. You can use fresh herbs like parsley or basil instead of cilantro. Each choice changes the taste and makes it special. These shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. Serve them with coconut rice for a tropical vibe. A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. You can also try grilled veggies for a healthy mix. Consider corn on the cob or a quinoa salad for fun and flavor. If you love spice, add more cumin or red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a sweet twist, drizzle some honey before grilling. Taste your marinade! Adjust it to fit what you like best. These little changes make your skewers unique and tasty. After your meal, you may have some shrimp skewers left. To store them, let them cool to room temperature. Place the skewers in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. To freeze your shrimp skewers, first cool them completely. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat shrimp skewers, you have a few options. The best way is to use the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This warms them evenly and keeps them juicy. You can also use the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. Enjoy your tasty shrimp again! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them defrost quickly and evenly. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel before marinating. This step ensures the marinade sticks well. You should marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up the flavors of the marinade. If you want even more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. Just avoid marinating too long, as the lime juice can make the shrimp mushy. Cilantro lime shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve them with coconut rice for a tropical touch. Another tasty option is grilled vegetables. These sides balance the flavors of the shrimp nicely. Yes, here are some simple grilling tips. First, always preheat your grill. This helps cook the shrimp evenly. Second, don’t overcrowd the skewers. Give each shrimp space for better heat exposure. Lastly, keep an eye on the cooking time. Cook the shrimp for only 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn opaque and slightly charred. This guide covered everything you need for perfect shrimp skewers. We explored key ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and useful tips for grilling. You learned how to choose fresh shrimp and adjust flavors to suit your taste. Plus, we shared storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. With this knowledge, you can cook great meals with ease. Enjoy your cooking adventures and impress your friends and family with your skills!$

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

Delicious grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty cilantro lime sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 limes zest and juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make the marinade.
Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss until all the shrimp are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, approximately 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a platter garnished with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges. You can also pair these with a side of coconut rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Keyword cilantro, grilled, lime, shrimp, skewers