Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Chipotle lime grilled shrimp are usually what I make once it gets too hot to think about turning the oven on. The shrimp cook fast, the lime keeps everything from feeling too heavy, and the chipotle gives them a little smoky heat without making dinner overly spicy.
I make these a lot during the summer when we want something lighter but still filling. Sometimes I throw them into tortillas, over rice, salads, and sometimes everybody just grabs them straight off the platter before I even get the sides out.
Why You'll Love This Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp
- The shrimp cook really fast. Once they hit the grill, dinner is done in a few minutes. This is usually on the table before the rice cooker finishes.
- Just a little pop of heat. The lime, honey, and chipotle balance each other out so the shrimp still taste fresh off the grill instead of heavy.
- There's not much prep. You whisk the marinade together, toss the shrimp in it, and let the grill do the rest.
- These are easy to turn into different meals. We use the leftovers for tacos, rice bowls, or salads the next day if there are any left.
Ingredients
These are the main ingredients used in this chipotle lime grilled shrimp.
- olive oil: Helps coat the shrimp so the spices stick evenly.
- lime juice: Brightens the marinade and keeps the shrimp from tasting too heavy.
- lime zest: Gives the shrimp stronger lime flavor without adding more liquid.
- chipotle chili pepper: Adds smoky heat throughout the marinade.
- smoked paprika: Brings extra smoky flavor and helps with color on the grill.
- garlic powder: Adds savory seasoning without needing fresh garlic.
- onion powder: Balances the citrus and spice.
- honey: Cuts some of the heat from the chipotle.
- shrimp: Cook quickly and stay tender when not overcooked.
- skewers: Make the shrimp easier to flip on the grill.
How to Make Chili Lime Shrimp
Step 1: Whisk the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chipotle chili pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, salt, and pepper together until combined.
Step 2: Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp and toss until coated. Save the rest for serving after grilling.
Step 3: Let the shrimp marinate while the grill heats up. Thread about 5-6 shrimp onto each skewer.
Step 4: Place the skewers on a lightly oiled grill over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Move the shrimp to a serving platter and drizzle lightly with the reserved marinade before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Shrimp cook quickly, so stay close to the grill once they go on.
- Smaller shrimp cook even faster, so start checking them early.
- Don't leave the shrimp in the lime marinade too long or the texture starts changing. I usually keep the shrimp closer to 15 minutes in the marinade because the lime juice starts changing the texture if they sit too long.
- Metal skewers make grilling easier since they don't roll around as much.
- The shrimp are best right off the grill while they're still hot.
Substitutions
- Maple syrup can replace the honey.
- Lemon juice works if you do not have fresh limes.
- Chicken pieces can be used instead of shrimp.
- Garlic cloves can replace garlic powder.
What to Serve with Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp
These will go great served alongside rice, grilled corn, watermelon, or tortilla chips and salsa.
FAQs
Can I marinate shrimp overnight?
No. The lime juice starts changing the shrimp texture if they sit too long. About 15-30 minutes is enough.
How do I know when grilled shrimp are done?
The shrimp turn pink and opaque and curl slightly as they cook. If they feel rubbery and dry, that means they've been overcooked.
Are these spicy?
The chipotle lime grilled shrimp have a little smoky heat from the chipotle, but the honey and lime balance it out pretty well.
More Recipes
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Easy Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pounds extra-large peeled deveined shrimp
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or cilantro and lime slices
Instructions
- Add the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chipotle chili pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, salt, and pepper to a bowl or jar. Whisk until fully combined.
- Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp and toss until coated. Reserve the remaining marinade for serving later.
- Let the shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes while the grill heats up. Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Transfer the shrimp skewers to a serving platter and drizzle lightly with the reserved marinade. Serve immediately with lime slices and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Do not marinate the shrimp longer than 30 minutes or the lime juice will start changing the texture.
- Wooden skewers should be soaked for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey if needed.
- Smaller shrimp will cook faster, so keep an eye on them while grilling.
- Leftover shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- These are best served hot right off the grill.
- The reserved marinade should not touch raw shrimp after setting it aside for serving.
Nutrition
I am not a nutritionist or physician. Any nutrition calculation are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
