These grilled garlic lime shrimp are juicy and packed with flavor! They’re marinated in zesty lime juice and spicy garlic, making them a tasty treat for any meal.
Perfect for summer BBQs or quick weeknight dinners, they’re super easy to whip up. Just skewer, grill, and enjoy! I love serving them with rice or in tacos—so good! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect here for grilling. If you can’t find fresh, go for frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating. For a different flavor, you can use scallops or chicken pieces as a substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal for this recipe since it adds bold flavor. However, if you’re short on fresh, garlic powder works as an alternative, though the flavor won’t be as vibrant. I usually prefer fresh for the best taste!
Lime Juice & Zest: Fresh lime juice is essential for that bright flavor. You can substitute with lemon juice if limes aren’t available. The zest adds an extra layer of flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can skip it.
Cilantro: This herb adds freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a great substitute, or you can leave it out altogether based on your taste.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine. You can also use a bit of cayenne for added heat!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Shrimp?
Grilling shrimp might seem tricky, but with a few tips, you can nail it. The key is to avoid overcooking them, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and get those nice grill marks.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers—this will help the shrimp cook evenly. Space them out a bit on the skewer.
- Watch the time—shrimp usually take only 2-3 minutes per side. As soon as they turn from opaque to a pinkish color, they’re done!
- Let them rest briefly after grilling before serving to help retain their juices.
These tips will help ensure your shrimp come out delicious every time! Enjoy your grilling! 🌟
Grilled Garlic Lime Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Grilled Garlic Lime Shrimp recipe takes about 20-30 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 40 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time to let those flavors soak into the shrimp!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a little salt and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss them gently to coat each shrimp evenly. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes. This marinating time helps the shrimp soak up all those delicious flavors!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is important for getting that perfect sear on the shrimp.
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp has finished marinating, take them out of the fridge. Thread about 5-6 shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers, making sure to leave a bit of space between each shrimp for even cooking.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and have nice grill marks. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
6. Serve and Garnish:
After grilling, remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. You can garnish them with extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh touch.
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve immediately as a main dish or as an appetizer with your favorite sides, like rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy your flavorful and juicy grilled garlic lime shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before marinating. You can thaw shrimp by placing them in the fridge overnight or by running them under cold water for about 10-15 minutes.
How Long Can I Marinate the Shrimp?
For the best flavor, aim to marinate the shrimp for about 20-30 minutes. If you marinate them for too long, like over an hour, the lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp and change their texture.
What Should I Serve with Grilled Garlic Lime Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or in tacos! You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a lighter meal. It’s great for summer barbecues!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the shrimp in advance. Just keep the marinated shrimp in the fridge, and grill them when you’re ready to serve, preferably within 24 hours for the best taste.
