Description
These spicy shrimp skewers feature a zesty chili lime glaze that is bright, bold, and just spicy enough. Quick and easy to prepare, they are perfect for grilling and crowd-pleasing at any BBQ or casual dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for presentation if you like)
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if wooden to prevent burning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1–2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1–2 teaspoons chili powder or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Toss them lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. (About 5 minutes)
- In a bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, honey, soy sauce, chili powder, minced garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. (5 minutes)
- Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a little space between each. (5 minutes)
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing generously with the chili lime glaze after flipping. Look for opaque pink color and slight char marks. (Total grilling time 6-8 minutes)
- Once off the grill, give the skewers a final brush of glaze and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally with lime wedges.
Notes
Use metal skewers for even cooking and better heat conduction. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Brush glaze on shrimp after flipping to avoid burning sugars. Avoid overcrowding skewers to prevent steaming. Marinate shrimp for up to 20 minutes before grilling for extra flavor but not longer to avoid ‘cooking’ shrimp with lime juice. If no grill available, broil in oven or pan-sear in skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4-5 sh
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: shrimp skewers, firecracker shrimp, chili lime glaze, grilled shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, BBQ shrimp, spicy shrimp, summer recipe