If you’re searching for a dish that effortlessly balances bright citrus, fresh herbs, and the irresistible savoriness of grilled seafood, Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp checks every box. Lively and refreshing, this recipe transforms plump shrimp into something truly special with a quick marinade of lime, cilantro, and garlic. Ready in minutes but bursting with bold flavors, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or al fresco gatherings, guaranteeing smiles with every bite.

Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp so magical is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create something truly unforgettable. Each component plays a vital role—enhancing juiciness, adding zing, or giving that signature pop of color to your final plate.

Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Choose fresh or frozen shrimp for their natural sweetness and succulent texture—size does matter here for even grilling.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the marinade and helps lock in moisture, so your shrimp stay juicy on the grill.
Fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons): The tangy brightness brings everything to life and cuts through the richness for irresistible flavor.
Lime zest (1 teaspoon): Don’t skip this—zest packs a floral, citrusy punch that takes the marinade up a notch.
Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): Aromatic and vivid, cilantro infuses the dish with fresh, herbal notes and beautiful color.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Garlic adds deep savory undertones and a subtly spicy bite.
Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): A gentle earthiness that anchors the bright flavors without overpowering.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the best in your shrimp.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A hint of heat and peppery complexity keeps things lively.
Lime wedges and extra cilantro for serving: A final squeeze of lime and sprinkle of cilantro make every bite pop with vibrant flavor and color.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together vigorously until you have a well-blended, fragrant marinade. This aromatic mixture is what gives Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp its signature punch of flavor—don’t skimp on the whisking!

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and gently toss so every piece is coated evenly in the zesty marinade. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp chill in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This quick soak allows the bold flavors to infuse the shrimp without making them mushy, so they stay plump and grill up beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill (or Grill Pan)

While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for about 20 minutes—this simple step prevents the sticks from burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, arranging them snugly to ensure even grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

Lay the shrimp skewers on the hot grill and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch as they transform, turning pink, opaque, and picking up gorgeous grill marks. You’re looking for just-done shrimp—overcooking makes them tough, so stay close!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer the grilled shrimp to a serving platter. Finish your Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp with a final squeeze of fresh lime and a shower of chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, letting everyone dig in while the shrimp are still warm and glistening with those citrusy, herby juices.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp

Garnishes

The final touches really let Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp shine. Fresh lime wedges coax out every bit of tang, while a handful of extra chopped cilantro adds both color and an aromatic lift. Your plate will look as fresh and vibrant as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This shrimp plays well with a variety of sides. Try serving over fluffy rice, simple herbed quinoa, or nestled inside warm tortillas for taco night. A cool avocado salad or grilled corn rounds everything out, making for a meal that’s equal parts bright, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun mixing things up! Pile your Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp onto skewers for a BBQ party, tuck them into lettuce cups for a light lunch, or toss them onto a big green salad for a wholesome main. The bold flavors also make them a fantastic topper for bowls or even as a hearty addition to pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil and veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop the grilled shrimp into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days—just don’t wait too long, as shrimp are best enjoyed while still juicy.

Freezing

While you can freeze Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly when reheated. To freeze, arrange the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. This step prevents them from sticking together and makes portioning easy.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently so you don’t dry out the shrimp. Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring just until heated through, or microwave in short 20-second bursts. A squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of cilantro will refresh the flavors before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating, so the flavors can properly cling to each shrimp and you avoid excess water on the grill.

How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Brush your grill grates with oil or use a grill pan for best results. The light coating of olive oil in the marinade also helps, but clean, hot grates are your best defense against sticking.

Can I make Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp without skewers?

Yes, you can grill shrimp directly on a grill pan or in a basket, turning them with tongs. Skewers just make flipping easier and are fun for presentation, but they’re not strictly necessary.

What can I use as a substitute for cilantro?

If you’re not a cilantro fan, try swapping in fresh parsley or even a mix of parsley and a pinch of mint for a different herbal vibe. The flavors will shift, but the shrimp will still taste fantastic.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp isn’t spicy as written, but you’re welcome to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat if you’d like.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp enough—it’s the kind of recipe that’s just as at home at a casual weeknight dinner as it is on a summery party spread. Quick, flavorful, and wildly versatile, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it once and you’ll find yourself reaching for limes and fresh cilantro any time you see shrimp at the market!

Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp Recipe