Golden Chili Lime Shrimp
These golden chili lime shrimp skewers bring bright flavor and a little elegance to the table without much fuss. They are quick to cook, easy to serve, and perfect when you want something that feels special for dinner guests.
Equipment
- 1 Skewers wooden or metal
- 1 Grill pan or outdoor grill
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined, medium or large
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp honey
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, honey, salt, and black pepper. The mixture should smell bright, fragrant, and a little smoky.
- Step 2: Coat the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavor can soak in, but do not marinate too long because shrimp cook quickly.
- Step 3: Thread onto skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them first so they do not burn. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Step 4: Cook the skewers. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat or cook them in a grill pan until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, usually about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking, since shrimp can become tough very quickly.
- Step 5: Finish and serve. Transfer the skewers to a platter, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and add extra lime wedges on the side. Serve right away while they are warm and juicy.
Notes
If you want to make a few swaps, use lemon juice if you are out of lime, or replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness. For a little extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper, or keep it mild and let the citrus shine.