Zesty Grilled Lime Shrimp Recipe: Simple Summer Seafood Magic

Sizzling summer evenings call for a zesty grilled lime shrimp recipe that dances with bright, tangy flavors.

The combination of succulent shrimp and vibrant citrus creates a mouthwatering dish that promises pure delight.

Marinated in a blend of fresh lime juice, garlic, and herbs, these shrimp will transport your taste buds to coastal paradise.

Each perfectly charred morsel brings a burst of Mediterranean-inspired goodness to your plate.

The marinade infuses the shrimp with an irresistible zest that makes every bite unforgettable.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this recipe turns a simple seafood dinner into a culinary adventure.

Grab your grill and get ready to savor a meal that celebrates summer’s most delicious moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 2 to 3 hours

Cook Time: 6 to 8 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 6 minutes to 3 hours 8 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Grilled Lime Shrimp

• Shrimp: Super fresh, large shrimp that cook quickly and absorb marinades beautifully; choose wild-caught or responsibly farmed for best flavor and texture.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves: Creates a silky, aromatic foundation that helps spices cling to shrimp and prevents sticking during grilling.
• Jalapeno: Adds a zesty, spicy kick that awakens the entire dish with subtle heat.

• Brown Sugar: Balances heat with gentle sweetness and helps create gorgeous caramelization on shrimp.
• Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Cumin: Craft a complex, smoky-spicy profile that transforms ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary grilled delicacy.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Intensify savory undertones and provide depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and rounding out all other seasonings.

• Fresh Lime Slices: Brighten the dish with tangy citrus notes and create beautiful presentation.
• Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbal complexity and vibrant green color to the final dish.
• Lime Wedges: Allow guests to customize their heat and acidity levels at the table.

Tools You’ll Need for Grilled Lime Shrimp

• Grill: Essential for achieving those perfect char marks and smoky flavor.
• Skewers: Wooden or metal, needed for easy shrimp grilling and presentation.
• Immersion blender: Crucial for creating a smooth, well-mixed marinade.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade ingredients.
• Wide shallow bowl: Ideal for marinating shrimp evenly.
• Tongs: Great for safely flipping shrimp on the grill.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing lime slices and chopping cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing limes and chopping herbs.

Cooking Method for Grilled Lime Shrimp

• Skewer Prep

Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during grilling.

• Marinade Magic

Blend zesty lime juice, herbs, and spices into a vibrant liquid coating for the shrimp.

• Flavor Bath

Let shrimp soak in marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply for a few hours in the refrigerator.

• Skewer Assembly

Thread plump shrimp onto prepared sticks, adding fresh lime slices between each piece for extra zing.

• Grill Mastery

Sear shrimp over medium-high heat, creating beautiful caramelized edges and a smoky finish.

• Tasty Presentation

Arrange sizzling shrimp on a platter, garnish with bright cilantro, and offer lime wedges for a final burst of citrus freshness.

Tips & Adjustments for Grilled Lime Shrimp

• Shrimp Skewer Secrets: Wooden skewers work best when soaked in water for 30 minutes, preventing them from turning into charcoal on the grill.
• Marinade Magic: Blend ingredients until silky smooth for deeper flavor penetration, ensuring each shrimp gets maximum taste coverage.
• Grilling Pro Moves: Maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the grill to achieve perfect char marks without steaming the seafood.
• Quick Flavor Swaps: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley for a milder herb note, or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that transforms the entire dish.
• Storage Smarts: Leftover grilled shrimp stay fresh in an airtight container for 1-2 days and taste delicious cold in salads or pasta dishes.

Serving Ideas for Grilled Lime Shrimp

• Tropical Beach Party Platter: Arrange grilled shrimp on a large wooden board with colorful tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and passion fruit for a vibrant summer presentation that screams vacation vibes.
• Zesty Taco Night Upgrade: Nestle these lime-infused shrimp into warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce for a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired meal.
• Refreshing Summer Salad Topper: Slice the grilled shrimp and scatter over a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light citrus vinaigrette for a light, protein-packed lunch option that's perfect for hot days.
• Cocktail Hour Appetizer Spread: Serve skewered shrimp on a chilled platter with small dishes of complementary dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy mango salsa, and herb-infused olive oil for an elegant party starter.

Storing Grilled Lime Shrimp for Later

• Quick Batch Preparation: Cook extra shrimp to create delicious meal variations throughout the week. Transform leftovers into zesty salads, tacos, or protein-packed lunch bowls by tossing with fresh greens and additional lime juice.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked shrimp in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always keep the shrimp in a single layer to maintain optimal texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing Solution: Freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in sealed freezer bags for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling to maintain the marinade's vibrant flavors and shrimp's delicate texture.
• Advance Prep Technique: Mix marinade ingredients up to 48 hours before cooking. Keep the marinade sealed in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to intensify and develop a more complex taste profile for your grilled lime shrimp.

Zesty Lime Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 6 minutes to 3 hours 8 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired grilled lime shrimp emerge as a zesty culinary delight combining tangy citrus and succulent seafood. Garlic, chili, and cilantro elevate this quick dish that lets home cooks shine with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) raw extra jumbo shrimp (16–20 per pound), peeled and deveined
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsps brown sugar
• 1 tsp 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. Preparation: Submerge wooden skewers in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent charring and ensure safe grilling.
2. Marinade Creation: Combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and selected seasonings in a blender, processing until a unified, aromatic liquid forms.
3. Shrimp Marination: Thoroughly coat peeled and deveined shrimp with the prepared marinade, massaging to guarantee complete flavor penetration, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours, occasionally turning to promote even seasoning.
4. Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium-high temperature and lightly brush grates with oil to prevent adhesion and facilitate effortless shrimp removal.
5. Skewering: Artfully thread marinated shrimp onto pre-soaked skewers, interlacing with fresh lime slices to enhance visual presentation and impart additional citrus essence.
6. Grilling: Position skewered shrimp on heated grill, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until they transition from translucent to opaque, developing appetizing char marks.
7. Serving: Transfer grilled skewers to an attractive platter, generously garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and accompany with lime wedges for personalized citrus enhancement, creating a visually stunning and flavorful seafood dish.

Notes

• Soak Skewers Strategically: Prevent wooden skewers from burning by submerging them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling, protecting against potential flame incidents and ensuring even cooking.
• Craft Flavor-Packed Marinade: Blend olive oil, lime juice, and garlic into a smooth mixture, creating a zesty base that deeply penetrates and tenderizes shrimp for maximum taste sensation.
• Marinate with Precision: Refrigerate shrimp for 2-3 hours, occasionally turning to guarantee uniform seasoning and develop rich, complex flavors throughout the seafood.
• Grill Like a Pro: Cook shrimp on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, watching for color transformation from translucent to opaque with beautiful char marks, indicating perfect doneness.

• Prep Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg