Smoky, citrusy, and absolutely bursting with fresh flavor, Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp is the summer dinner staple you’ll crave all year. This dish captures the vibrant energy of sunny afternoons and relaxed backyard get-togethers by highlighting the natural sweetness of shrimp with a zingy marinade of lime, garlic, and herbs. Whether tossed into tacos, served with rice, or devoured straight off the skewers, every bite brings a perfect balance of bright zest and savory char. If you love meals that feel festive yet take minimal effort, this one is sure to become your go-to showstopper!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp lies in simple, honest ingredients that each add something special. From the juicy shrimp itself to that final squeeze of lime, here’s what you’ll need to create this unforgettable dish.
- Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): Opt for large shrimp for easy grilling and succulent bites; leaving the tails on can make for a gorgeous presentation.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the marinade cling to the shrimp while adding a rich, fruity depth.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Infuses the shrimp with tangy brightness and tenderizes them at the same time.
- Lime zest (1 teaspoon): Packs a powerful punch of citrus aroma and amplifies the fresh lime flavor.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Brings a burst of herbal freshness that balances the earthiness of the grill.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds savory warmth and complexity, making everything more aromatic.
- Chili powder (½ teaspoon): A hint of smoky spice to elevate the flavor without overwhelming it.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and helps the shrimp retain moisture.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat and aromatic finish to every bite.
- Lime wedges and extra cilantro (for serving): Essential for that final flourish of color and a zesty, fresh kick at the table.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Kick things off by whisking up your vibrant cilantro lime marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. It’ll smell amazing right away—like summer in a bowl! Mixing these ingredients first ensures all those flavors are perfectly blended and ready to infuse the shrimp.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Once your marinade is ready, add the shrimp and toss to coat every piece generously. Make sure they’re bathed in that citrusy mixture for maximum flavor. Cover the bowl and let them chill in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. This quick soak is enough for the shrimp to pick up tons of bright, herbal notes without losing their firm texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
While your shrimp marinate, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, this is the perfect time to soak them in water so they don’t burn. Preheating is key for achieving those charred grill marks and locking in the juiciness of the Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp.
Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each one. This allows the heat to circulate evenly and gives you those gorgeous grill marks. Plus, skewers make flipping a breeze—no worrying about shrimp falling through the grates.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn brilliantly pink and opaque. Don’t overcook; shrimp are at their most tender when they’re just done. The sizzling aroma of cilantro, lime, and garlicky goodness is your cue that it’s time to eat.
Step 6: Serve with Fresh Finishes
Transfer your Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp to a platter and shower them with extra chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp
Garnishes
A finishing touch of freshly chopped cilantro and plenty of lime wedges adds a burst of color and bright, tangy zing. If you like a little kick, thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the plate even further. Don’t skip the garnishes—they seriously amplify the freshness.
Side Dishes
Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp pairs beautifully with a spectrum of sides: scoop them over fluffy rice, tuck them into warm tortillas for tacos, or serve them alongside grilled veggies or a light green salad. For a heartier meal, try accompanying them with black beans, avocado slices, or a corn salad drenched in lime vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Change up the presentation by serving these shrimp as party skewers, sliding them onto a vibrant platter atop leafy greens, or layering them in lettuce cups for a handheld, low-carb bite. They also make an impressive topper for grain bowls, or you can chop them and roll into summer rolls with crunchy veggies for a fresh, fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, so they make excellent leftovers to toss into salads, pastas, or wraps the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to extend their life, freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready for a super quick meal whenever you need a taste of summer.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through, or give them a quick zap in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can easily turn rubbery when reheated too long.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely, pat dry, and proceed with the marinade. Using frozen shrimp is super convenient and doesn’t compromise on flavor at all.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem. You can broil the Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp in your oven for about 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. A grill pan on the stovetop works great too!
Is this recipe spicy?
The mild chili powder adds warmth without too much heat. If you like it spicier, feel free to up the chili powder or add a dash of cayenne to the marinade.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! You can whisk together the marinade a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to cook, just toss the shrimp in and let them soak up the flavor for 20–30 minutes before grilling.
Are Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp gluten-free?
They sure are! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for entertaining guests with dietary restrictions or anyone following a low-carb eating plan.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a fast, flavorful meal that always impresses, Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp checks every box. I hope this becomes a staple at your table, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or the highlight of a festive gathering. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to savor every irresistible, zesty bite!
Print
Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp recipe is a burst of fresh and zesty flavors that are perfect for a quick and delicious meal. The combination of tangy lime, fragrant cilantro, and perfectly grilled shrimp makes this dish a standout for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Extra cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
- Grill the Shrimp: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve immediately with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Great as a main dish, taco filling, or salad topper.
- You can also broil the shrimp in the oven if a grill isn’t available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ pound shrimp
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
