Transport your tastebuds to the tropics with these zesty lime-garlic shrimp skewers sizzling hot off the grill.
Plump shrimp marinate in a super quick mojo-inspired mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, zesty lime juice, fiery red pepper flakes and fresh cilantro. In just 30 minutes, the shrimp soak up all the bright, robust flavors.
Then, it's grill time! The shrimp cook up succulent with beautiful grill marks in minutes. The citrusy marinade caramelizes into the shrimp, lending charred bits of lime-cilantro flavor in every bite. Served over sizzling skewers, these shrimp deliver a burst of summer sunshine no matter the season!
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes for marinating)
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding marinating time)
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4 servings
- Serving Size: 5-6 shrimp per person
Nutritional Profile (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 36g
This fresh, light recipe highlights shrimp, which is an excellent source of lean protein and very low in saturated fat. The small amount of oil used for grilling makes this low-carb dish fairly modest in calories and fat. Pair it with antioxidant and fiber-rich fresh veggies and grains to round out the meal for a nutritious, grill-worthy dinner.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: 500 grams (17.6 oz / about 20-24 shrimp)
- Olive oil: 60 ml (2 fl oz / 1/4 cup) [54 grams / 1.9 ounces]
- Garlic cloves, minced: 15 grams (0.5 oz / 3 cloves)
- Fresh lime juice: 60 ml (2 fl oz / 1/4 cup) [57 grams / 2 ounces]
- Lime zest from 1 lime: 2 grams (0.07 oz)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: 10 grams (0.35 oz / 1/4 cup)
- Red pepper flakes: 1 gram (0.035 oz / 1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method of Preparation
- Marinate Shrimp: Combine olive oil, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add shrimp and marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Skewer Shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill: Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours, but not longer to prevent the lime juice from 'cooking' the shrimp.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before marinating.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a minced hot pepper to the marinade.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance? You can marinate the shrimp ahead of time, but they are best grilled just before serving.