Jalapeno Lime Grilled Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 fresh jalapeños - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 3 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro - Lime wedges In this recipe, we use fresh shrimp for a great taste. You want to pick large shrimp. Aim for shrimp that are firm and have a mild scent of the sea. The olive oil adds richness. It helps the shrimp cook evenly. Jalapeños deliver heat and flavor. You can adjust the heat by removing the seeds. If you want a milder taste, consider using just one jalapeño. The zest and juice of lime add brightness. They bring a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the heat. For seasoning, garlic gives depth. Honey adds a hint of sweetness. Paprika and cumin provide warmth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh cilantro adds a lovely touch at the end. Lime wedges are perfect for squeezing over the shrimp. The right mix of these ingredients makes the dish pop! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a medium bowl, add the olive oil, chopped jalapeños, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until blended. This step is key for flavor. Let the shrimp marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This longer time allows the shrimp to soak up all the tasty flavors. Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step ensures even cooking. Meanwhile, thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. Aim for about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side. Then, flip them over and grill for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done. You want to watch for these visual cues to know when they are perfect. Adjusting Jalapeño Heat Level You want the right spice. For milder shrimp, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. You can also use fewer jalapeños. If you like heat, keep the seeds in. This way, you get to control the spice level to your taste. Marinating Time Tips Marinating shrimp is key for flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let them sit for up to 2 hours. This extra time really helps the shrimp soak up the lime and jalapeño flavors. Tips for Using Wooden Skewers If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This step helps prevent burning. It keeps your skewers intact while grilling. Avoiding Overcooked Shrimp Watch your shrimp closely while grilling. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Once they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Ideal Side Dishes Pair your shrimp with fresh sides. Consider a light salad or grilled vegetables. Rice or quinoa also works well. These sides balance the shrimp’s bold flavors. Pairing with Dipping Sauces Serve with zesty dipping sauces. A lime-cilantro sauce or creamy avocado dip can enhance the meal. These sauces add extra layers of flavor to your shrimp. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and limes for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish. Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 1 hour, but no more than 2 hours to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy. Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high before adding the shrimp. This helps achieve a nice char and cooks them quickly. Skewer Soaking: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking. {{image_2}} Other Proteins to Use If you want to switch up the protein, chicken or fish works well. Use chicken breast, cut into cubes, for a similar marinated flavor. For fish, try salmon or white fish like tilapia. They cook fast and soak up the zest from the marinade. Vegetarian Options For a vegetarian twist, use firm tofu or hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and marinate just like the shrimp. They’ll absorb the flavor and grill up nicely. Different Herbs or Spices You can change the herbs to fit your taste. Try adding fresh parsley or dill for a fresh twist. You can also swap in spices like chili powder or cayenne for extra heat. Alternative Marinade Ingredients Don’t have lime? Lemon works great too. You can also use orange juice for a sweeter flavor. For a smoky touch, add chipotle powder. Each change gives a new flavor to the dish. Oven-Baked Version You can bake the shrimp if you don’t have a grill. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the marinated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until they are pink and firm. Air Fryer Instructions Using an air fryer is quick and easy. Preheat it to 375°F. Place the shrimp in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through. This method gives you crispy shrimp without using oil. To keep your leftover Jalapeno Lime Grilled Shrimp fresh, use airtight containers. This will help prevent the shrimp from drying out. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Cooked shrimp can last about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to label your containers with the date to keep track. When reheating grilled shrimp, avoid the microwave if you can. Instead, use a skillet on low heat. This method helps keep the shrimp juicy and flavorful. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway. You can also try reheating on the grill for a few minutes, which will help revive that smoky flavor. If you want to save some shrimp for later, freezing is a good option. First, let the cooked shrimp cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Alternatively, you can place the bag in cold water for quicker thawing. You should marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This gives the shrimp time to soak up all the flavors. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours. The longer the shrimp sit in the marinade, the more taste they will have. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the frozen shrimp in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them thaw quickly and safely. Once thawed, you can follow the recipe as normal. If you want a milder flavor, try using bell peppers. They add crunch without the heat. For more heat, you can use serrano peppers. They are spicier than jalapeños, so use them carefully. Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They also curl up a bit when done. You can also check the internal temperature. It should reach 120°F. If you see these signs, your shrimp are ready to enjoy! Great side dishes include rice, corn, or a fresh salad. You can also serve grilled veggies for a colorful plate. If you want something light, try serving with lime wedges and avocado slices. These sides will complement the shrimp perfectly! In this post, I shared a simple way to grill shrimp. We covered key ingredients like shrimp, spices, and garnishes. I explained how to prepare, marinate, and grill shrimp perfectly. Tips on enhancing flavor and serving suggestions were also included. Variations let you try different proteins or cooking methods. Remember, grilling doesn't have to be hard. Keep practicing, and you'll impress your family and friends with delicious meals every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Jalapeno Lime Grilled Shrimp

A zesty and spicy grilled shrimp dish with jalapeños and lime.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder flavor)
2 limes zest and juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chopped jalapeños, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until combined.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeños.

Keyword grilled, jalapeño, lime, shrimp