Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

$To make cilantro lime shrimp skewers, you need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - Zest of 1 lime - Juice of 2 limes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers (wooden or metal) You can swap ingredients if needed. If you can't find fresh cilantro, use parsley. Lemon juice can replace lime juice for a different taste. For a milder flavor, skip the red pepper flakes. You can also use shrimp paste instead of minced garlic for a unique twist. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in this dish. Fresh shrimp taste better and cook faster. Fresh cilantro gives a vibrant flavor. Fresh limes add zing to the marinade. When you use fresh ingredients, your skewers will be more flavorful and enjoyable. Fresh herbs and spices bring out the best in every bite. Always choose the best ingredients for a memorable meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. For the marinade, you need lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. In a bowl, whisk them all together. This mix brings great flavor to the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the bowl, making sure each piece gets coated well. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up all those tasty flavors. While the shrimp marinates, prepare your skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes. This step helps prevent burning on the grill. After soaking, thread the shrimp onto the skewers. I usually fit about 5-6 shrimp per skewer. Make sure to leave some space between each shrimp. This helps them cook evenly. Now it's time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque. This color change means they are cooked through. After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting time keeps the shrimp juicy. To get perfectly cooked shrimp, watch the color closely. Raw shrimp looks gray. When cooked, it turns pink and opaque. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Use a meat thermometer if you're unsure; shrimp is done at 120°F. Grilling gives shrimp a nice char. It adds a smoky flavor that is hard to beat. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure to soak wooden skewers for 20 minutes. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 400°F. Place skewers on a baking sheet and cook for 6-8 minutes. Both methods work, but grilling adds a special touch. To boost the flavors, try adding more herbs. Fresh parsley or dill pairs well with cilantro. You can also use lime zest for extra zing. Adding a dash of hot sauce can give it a kick. For a sweet touch, consider a splash of honey. Experiment and find what you love! Pro Tips Marination Time: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for maximum flavor absorption. Perfect Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat to achieve a nice char without overcooking the shrimp. Skewer Safety: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Serving Suggestions: Pair the skewers with cilantro-lime rice or a fresh salad for a refreshing meal. {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to your skewers for extra flavor. Bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions work well. Just cut them into similar sizes as the shrimp. Toss them in the same marinade. This step adds color and crunch. You can mix and match vegetables to fit your taste. While the lime and cilantro marinade is great, you can try other flavors too. A garlic and honey marinade gives a sweet twist. For a spicy kick, add sriracha or chipotle. A coconut milk marinade can add a tropical feel. Each option brings a new taste to your shrimp skewers. These shrimp skewers shine when served with sides. Cilantro-lime rice is a perfect match. You can also pair them with a fresh salad. A mango salsa adds a sweet contrast. For drinks, try a chilled white wine or a fruity mocktail. Each pairing enhances the dish’s bright flavors. After enjoying your cilantro lime shrimp skewers, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure they cool down before you seal them. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. The best way is to use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a little water to keep them moist. You can also use the microwave. Just cover them to avoid drying out. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. If you want to save some skewers for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled skewers in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay good for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, follow the tips I shared earlier. Enjoy your fresh-tasting shrimp skewers! You should marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up the lime juice and cilantro flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate them for up to two hours. Just be careful not to marinate too long. The acid from the lime can make the shrimp tough. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry before you add them to the marinade. This step helps the flavors stick better. Cilantro lime shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. Here are some great ideas: - Cilantro-lime rice - Grilled vegetables - Fresh salad - Corn on the cob - Avocado slices These sides will add color and flavor to your meal. Enjoy your delicious shrimp skewers with any of these options! In this article, we covered fresh ingredients, marinating shrimp, and grilling tips. You learned how to enhance flavors and ensure proper cooking. We discussed variations like adding veggies and alternative marinades. I also shared storage tips for leftovers and answers to popular questions. Now, you have the tools to create tasty shrimp skewers. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and impressing your friends! Cooking can be fun and easy. Dive in and savor every bite!$

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 unit zest of 1 lime
2 unit juice of 2 limes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
to taste unit salt and pepper
as needed unit skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Once marinated, thread the shrimp onto the skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the skewers over a bed of cilantro-lime rice and garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges for an eye-catching and flavorful finish.

Keyword cilantro, grilled, lime, shrimp, skewers