Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 tablespoon chipotle powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving - Skewers (wooden or metal) For this recipe, I use large shrimp. They hold up well on skewers and taste great. You can find them easily at your local store. The olive oil helps the spices stick, while lime juice adds a bright taste. Chipotle powder gives a nice kick and smoky flavor. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin bring warmth and depth to the dish. Honey balances the spice with a hint of sweetness. I always recommend using fresh lime juice. It brightens up the shrimp. Don't forget salt and pepper to season! Fresh cilantro makes for a lovely garnish. It adds color and freshness. Lime wedges on the side give you a zesty option when serving. Make sure you have skewers ready. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water first. This step prevents them from burning on the grill. With all these ingredients, you are set to make a tasty dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, we need to prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, mix together: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 tablespoon chipotle powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients well. This mix brings depth and flavor to our shrimp. Next, add the shrimp to the marinade. Make sure each shrimp is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This will enhance the flavor even more. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Soaking helps prevent them from burning on the grill. While the skewers soak, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures the skewers will cook the shrimp evenly and quickly. Now it’s time to assemble the skewers. Carefully thread about 5-6 marinated shrimp onto each skewer. Space them out to allow even cooking. Once the skewers are ready, place them on the preheated grill. Grill each skewer for about 2-3 minutes on one side. Then flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp will turn opaque when done. Be careful not to overcook them; they can become tough if left too long. Keep an eye on the color and texture to know they are ready. To get the best shrimp, avoid overcooking them. Shrimp cook fast, taking only 2-3 minutes per side. When they turn opaque and pink, they are ready. If you grill them too long, they will get tough. To keep shrimp moist, use a good marinade. Olive oil and lime juice work well. Let the shrimp soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and helps the shrimp stay juicy while cooking. Garnishing with cilantro makes your dish pop. Fresh cilantro adds color and flavor. Just sprinkle it over the skewers before serving. For serving, lime wedges are great. They add freshness and a zesty kick. Place lime wedges around the skewers when you serve them. This makes the plate look nice and inviting. When picking skewers, you can use wooden or metal ones. Wooden skewers are cheap and good for grilling. Just soak them in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning. Metal skewers are reusable and heat up fast. They keep food from slipping off easily. If you don’t have skewers, you can use toothpicks for smaller pieces. Just make sure to soak them too if they are wooden. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time permits, marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavors. The longer the shrimp sit in the marinade, the more they absorb the delicious spices. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh lime juice and high-quality olive oil. Fresh ingredients will elevate the taste of your skewers significantly compared to bottled alternatives. Monitor Cooking Time: Be sure to keep an eye on the shrimp while grilling. They cook quickly, usually in about 2-3 minutes per side, and can become tough if overcooked. Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini to your skewers. They not only add color and texture but also complement the shrimp beautifully. {{image_4}} To add a kick to your skewers, mix in extra spices. You can use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you adjust the heat to your liking. The chipotle powder already brings some spice, but more can make it fiery. You can swap shrimp for other seafood like scallops or chunks of fish. Adjust cooking times based on what you choose. For instance, scallops cook faster than shrimp. Fish like tuna takes a bit longer. Always check for doneness; seafood should be opaque and flake easily. To make these skewers vegetarian, use fresh vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions work great. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Grill them for about 8-10 minutes, turning often. You can brush them with the same marinade for flavor. Enjoy a delicious, meat-free option! To keep your Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers fresh, refrigerate them right after serving. Place the cooked skewers in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This helps keep them juicy. They should last in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze the marinated shrimp if you want to save time for later. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to use the shrimp, take them out of the freezer. Put them in the fridge overnight to thaw. If you need them fast, you can thaw them in cold water for about 30 minutes. To reheat, grill them on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping once. This keeps the shrimp tender and tasty. Enjoy your easy meal any day! Yes, you can prepare Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers in advance. Marinate the shrimp and keep them in the fridge. You can marinate them for up to two hours. If you want to save time, you can also skewer them ahead of time. Just cover them and store them in the fridge. Grill them just before serving for the best taste. You can tell the shrimp are done grilling when they turn opaque and curl slightly. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. If you see a pink color and they feel firm, they are ready to eat. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough. Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers pair well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Cilantro lime rice - Grilled corn on the cob - Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips - A light salad with avocado and tomatoes - Roasted vegetables seasoned with lime These sides will add freshness and balance to your meal. You now have a clear path to making delicious Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers. We covered the needed ingredients, how to marinate and grill the shrimp, and tips for perfect results. You learned about variations, storage, and answers to common questions. These skewers are an easy and tasty dish for any occasion. Enjoy creating this fun meal that can impress family and friends. Happy grilling!$

Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers

Deliciously marinated shrimp skewers with a spicy chipotle and lime flavor, perfect for grilling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon chipotle powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon honey
to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper
for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped
for serving Lime wedges
as needed Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, lime juice, chipotle powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and honey. Whisk these ingredients until they are well combined to form a cohesive marinade. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to suit your taste.
Place the cleaned shrimp into the marinade, ensuring each shrimp is generously coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes; if time allows, marinating for up to 2 hours will deepen the flavor.
If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, aiming for about 5-6 shrimp per skewer, ensuring they are spaced evenly for uniform cooking.
Transfer the skewers to the preheated grill. Cook each skewer for about 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are fully cooked. Be attentive to avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough if left on the grill too long.
Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill. Dust them lightly with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side to add a refreshing burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a large platter, drizzled with any remaining marinade or olive oil, and sprinkle extra cilantro for a vibrant look. Arrange lime wedges around the skewers for a festive touch!

Keyword chipotle, grilling, lime, shrimp, skewers