Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 fresh limes - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Wooden or metal skewers Gathering the right ingredients is key for great flavor. Start with fresh shrimp. They should be large, peeled, and deveined. This makes them easy to eat and helps them soak up the marinade. Next, get fresh cilantro. I love its bright flavor. It's a must for this dish. You will also need extra virgin olive oil, which adds richness. Fresh limes are essential too. You’ll want both the zest and juice. They give the shrimp a nice tang. For spices, grab minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder. They add warmth and depth to the dish. Finally, salt and black pepper bring out all the flavors. Don’t forget skewers! If you use wooden ones, soak them in water first. This helps prevent burning on the grill. Now you are ready to make a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the marinade, start by taking a large bowl. Whisk together these ingredients: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 fresh limes - 2 cloves garlic, minced - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Make sure you blend everything well. This mix creates a bright and zesty flavor for your shrimp. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Stir gently to coat every shrimp fully. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours for better flavor. The longer they sit, the tastier they get! If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes. This step stops them from burning on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Make sure to space them evenly. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn a bright pink color and become opaque. This means they are done. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them tough. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve hot, with lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish. Marinating shrimp adds great flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate up to 2 hours. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for bright flavors. The olive oil helps keep shrimp moist. Don't skip the garlic, cumin, and chili powder; they add depth. The grill should be medium-high heat. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and get a nice sear. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes. This prevents burning. When grilling, place shrimp on the grill carefully. Make sure they are spaced apart. This helps them cook well without sticking. Presentation matters. Serve your skewers with lime wedges and extra cilantro. This adds a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some sliced green onions on top. A dash of chili flakes can add a bit of spice. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best taste, allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 1 hour. This lets the flavors penetrate the shrimp more deeply. Skewer Smartly: Ensure shrimp are evenly spaced on the skewers to promote even cooking. Avoid overcrowding to let heat circulate properly. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Watch closely while grilling; shrimp cook quickly. They are done when they turn opaque and curl slightly, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. Freshness Matters: Use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean and have a firm texture. {{image_4}} To amp up the heat, add chili flakes or jalapeño to the marinade. This brings a kick that pairs well with the shrimp. I love the extra flavor and warmth it adds. Mix in about a teaspoon of chili flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño. Adjust to your taste. If you want mild, start small. You can experiment with other herbs like parsley or basil. This adds a new twist to the classic flavor. Try using fresh parsley for a milder taste. Basil can give a sweet touch that works great with lime. These herbs still complement the shrimp while adding different notes. Pair the skewers with sides like rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. Rice makes a nice base to soak up the marinade. A crunchy salad adds freshness and texture. Grilled veggies bring color and more flavor. These sides make your meal complete and satisfying. To store leftover shrimp skewers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Refrigerate them right away. They will last for about 2 days. After that, the shrimp may lose their taste and texture. When it’s time to reheat, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking tray. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the shrimp juicy. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Enjoy your flavorful leftovers! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. First, thaw them safely. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. You can also leave them in the fridge overnight. After thawing, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry. This helps the marinade stick better. If you don’t like cilantro, you have options. Try parsley for a milder flavor. Basil gives a sweet touch. Mint adds a refreshing twist. Each herb changes the dish's taste, so choose what you like best. Perfectly cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They should curl slightly but not tightly. If they look rubbery, you overcooked them. Keep an eye on them while grilling. This way, they stay juicy and tender. This blog post shows you how to make tasty shrimp skewers. You learned about ingredients, from shrimp to spices. I explained how to prepare, marinade, and grill your shrimp perfectly. Tips on better flavor and serving ideas were included too. In the end, you can enjoy a flavorful meal with ease. Don’t hesitate to try variations or serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy grilling your delicious shrimp!$

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

Delicious shrimp marinated in a zesty cilantro lime mixture and grilled to perfection.

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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
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 fresh limes zest and juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
Gently add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each shrimp is fully coated. Cover the bowl securely with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes (for optimal flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours).
If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat setting. This is important for achieving a nice sear on the shrimp.
Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, ensuring they are spaced evenly for even cooking.
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink color and are opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking to ensure they remain tender and juicy.
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve them immediately, accompanied by lime wedges for squeezing and extra cilantro for visual appeal and flavor enhancement.

Notes

For optimal flavor, marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours.

Keyword cilantro, grilled, lime, shrimp, skewers