These easy cilantro lime shrimp skewers are juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes with a simple lime marinade and just 4-6 minutes on the grill. Perfect for healthy summer dinners and cookouts!
These easy cilantro lime shrimp skewers are one of my favorite ways to make shrimp during the summer.
They’re packed with fresh lime flavor, plenty of garlic and cilantro, and cook in just a few minutes on the grill!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. The marinade comes together in one bowl with ingredients you probably already have on hand, and the shrimp only need about 15 minutes to soak up all that flavor before they’re ready to cook.
Since shrimp cook so quickly, dinner can be on the table in less than 30 minutes from start to finish!
They’re perfect for busy weeknights, backyard cookouts, meal prep, or whenever you need an easy protein that feels a little special without much effort.
Why You’ll Love These Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Simple marinade with just a handful of ingredients
- Juicy, flavorful shrimp every time
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- Great for grilling season and cookouts
- Easy enough for weeknight dinners
- Works on the grill, grill pan, or under the broiler
- Delicious served with rice, salad, vegetables, or tortillas
The Secret to Juicy Shrimp
The biggest mistake people make with shrimp is overcooking them.
Shrimp only need a few minutes on the grill to become perfectly tender and juicy. Pairing a quick cook time with a short lime marinade gives you shrimp that are flavorful without becoming tough.
You’ll know they’re done when they’re opaque throughout and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp
- 1½ pounds large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For Serving
- Lime wedges
- Extra chopped cilantro
Optional serving ideas:
- White rice
- Cilantro lime rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Salad greens
- Grilled vegetables
- Corn tortillas
- Avocado slices
How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers
1. Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Lime zest
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chili powder or smoked paprika, if using
- Chopped cilantro
2. Marinate the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and add them to the bowl.
Toss well to coat and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes.
Don’t marinate much longer than that since the acidity from the lime juice can begin to change the texture of the shrimp.
3. Thread the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes.
Thread 5 to 6 shrimp onto each 14-inch skewer, piercing each shrimp near both ends so they lay flat and won’t spin while grilling.
4. Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Grill the skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque with light char marks.
5. Finish and Serve
Transfer to a serving platter.
Sprinkle with extra cilantro and serve with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before marinating.
Large frozen shrimp work especially well for this recipe.
Can I Make These Ahead?
You can marinate the shrimp up to 30 minutes before cooking and thread them onto the skewers in advance.
Because shrimp cook so quickly, they’re best served immediately after grilling.
Can I Broil Them Instead?
Absolutely.
Place the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil them 4 to 5 inches from the heat source for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Watch closely since shrimp cook very quickly.
What Size Shrimp Should I Use?
Large shrimp (21-25 count per pound) are ideal.
They’re easier to skewer, less likely to overcook, and stay juicy on the grill.
How Do I Know When Shrimp Are Done?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they:
- Turn opaque throughout
- Curl into a loose “C” shape
- Feel slightly firm to the touch
- Reach an internal temperature of 145°F
Avoid cooking until they curl tightly into an “O,” which usually means they’ve overcooked.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers
These shrimp pair well with:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Avocado salad
- Watermelon salad
- Corn tortillas
- Simple green salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Fresh fruit
Storage Tips
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking.
They’re also delicious served cold over salads the next day.
If you’re looking for a healthy dinner that tastes like summer, these easy cilantro lime shrimp skewers are hard to beat.
With a quick marinade, simple ingredients, and just a few minutes on the grill, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all season long.
Whether you’re hosting friends, meal prepping lunches, or just trying to get dinner on the table fast, these juicy grilled shrimp skewers deliver big flavor with very little effort.
Don’t forget the extra squeeze of lime right before serving!
Want More Summer Grilling Ideas? Try One of These!
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers (Easy, Grilled & Flavorful)
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp 21–25 count, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice from 1–2 limes
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika, optional
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro plus more for serving
For serving (optional but recommended):
- Lime wedges
- Extra chopped cilantro
- Cooked rice cauliflower rice, salad greens, or tortillas
Instructions
-
Make the quick marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder (if using), and cilantro.
-
Marinate the shrimp Pat the shrimp dry, add them to the bowl, and toss to coat. Let sit for 15–30 minutes in the refrigerator. (Longer isn’t better here—the lime can start to change the texture.)
-
Thread the skewers Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, piercing near the head end and tail end so they lie flat. This helps them cook evenly and makes flipping easy.
-
Grill Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grates lightly. Grill the skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn opaque pink and curl into a loose “C.” Don’t overcook.
-
Finish & serve Transfer to a platter, squeeze fresh lime over the top, and sprinkle with extra cilantro. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
No grill? Use the broiler
Arrange skewers on a foil-lined sheet pan and broil 4–5 inches from the heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Watch closely, they cook fast.
Make-it-a-meal:
15-minute summer dinner
1. Start a pot of rice (or microwave frozen rice/cauli rice).
2. Marinate the shrimp while the rice cooks.
3. Grill 4–6 minutes total.
4. Serve with sliced avocado, cucumber, and extra lime.
That gives you protein, carbs, and something fresh on the plate with almost no extra prep.
Leave a Comment