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To make Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers, you need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon chipotle powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) - Wooden or metal skewers If you lack some ingredients, here are substitutes you can use: - Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor. - Lemon juice works if you don’t have lime juice. - If you can’t find chipotle powder, smoked paprika adds a nice touch. - You can skip honey if you prefer no sweetness. - Fresh herbs like parsley can replace cilantro for garnish. When selecting shrimp, keep these tips in mind: - Look for shrimp that smell fresh, not fishy. - Choose shrimp that are firm and slightly translucent. - Large shrimp are best for skewering; they hold up well on the grill. - Buy shrimp that are labeled as "wild-caught" for better flavor and sustainability. - If possible, buy shrimp with the shell on; it helps keep them moist while cooking. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to make the marinade. In a large bowl, mix these ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon chipotle powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Stir these well until they blend. This mix brings heat and tang to the shrimp. Now it’s time to add the shrimp. You will use 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Toss the shrimp in the marinade. Make sure they are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 20 minutes. This helps the shrimp soak in all those bold flavors. While the shrimp marinates, get your grill ready. Preheat it to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This stops them from burning. When ready, thread about 5-6 shrimp onto each skewer. Make sure they are not too crowded. Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them! Once done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick. To grill shrimp just right, keep these tips in mind: - Use fresh shrimp for the best taste. Look for shrimp that smell clean. - Marinate for flavor. Let the shrimp soak in the marinade for at least 20 minutes. This step is key for great taste. - Preheat your grill. Get it hot before you add the shrimp. This gives you nice grill marks. - Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave space between shrimp so they cook evenly. Avoid these common errors to ensure perfect skewers: - Overcooking shrimp. Shrimp cook fast. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink. - Skipping the soak for wooden skewers. Soaking prevents burning. Don’t skip this step. - Using too much marinade. Too much liquid makes shrimp soggy. Just coat them lightly. - Not resting after grilling. Let the skewers rest for a minute to lock in juices. Here are some tools to make grilling easier: - Skewers: Choose either wooden or metal. Wooden skewers need soaking. - Grill tongs: These help flip the skewers safely. - Marinade brush: A brush can help coat shrimp evenly. - Grill thermometer: This tool ensures your grill is at the right heat. Using these tips and tools will help you create amazing chipotle lime shrimp skewers! Pro Tips Perfect Marinade Time: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 20 minutes to fully absorb the flavors, but avoid exceeding 1 hour to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy. Skewer Safety: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning on the grill. Grilling Technique: Grill the shrimp on medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure even cooking and a nice char. Serving Suggestions: Serve the skewers with a sprinkle of fresh lime juice and extra cilantro for added freshness and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the marinade for your Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers. Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a bright taste. If you like heat, include fresh jalapeños. For a sweet twist, use orange juice instead of lime juice. You can also use soy sauce for a savory kick. Mix and match flavors to find what you love. You don’t have to grill shrimp skewers if you don’t want to. You can cook them in the oven or a skillet. For the oven, preheat it to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through to cook evenly. If using a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Cook the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side. This gives you a tasty option no matter the weather. Pair your Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers with sides that complement their bold flavor. Serve them with a fresh salad or grilled veggies. Rice or quinoa also makes a great base. Add a zesty lime crema or avocado salsa for dipping. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped cilantro for a nice touch. These options make your meal bright and balanced. After enjoying your chipotle lime shrimp skewers, you might have some left. To store them, let the skewers cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cover them well to keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact and ready for your next meal. When you want to enjoy your leftover skewers, reheating is easy. Take the skewers out of the fridge. You can either grill them again or use a microwave. If using a grill, heat it to medium heat. Grill the skewers for about 2 to 3 minutes. If using a microwave, place them on a plate and heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Check to ensure they are hot all the way through. If you have more leftovers than you can eat, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped skewers in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above. This way, you can savor the flavors of chipotle lime shrimp skewers later! Shrimp should marinate for at least 20 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up the flavors. You can marinate them for up to 2 hours for stronger taste. The best way to grill shrimp is over medium-high heat. Make sure the grill is hot before adding the skewers. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first under cold water. Drain well and pat them dry before marinating. This step helps the marinade stick better. Great sides for these skewers include rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with corn on the cob or tortillas for a full meal. In this post, we covered the key ingredients and marinade tips for shrimp skewers. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and grilling, along with handy tools and common mistakes to avoid. You learned about variations, storage, and frequently asked questions to ensure success. Remember, great shrimp dishes come from fresh ingredients and careful cooking. Enjoy your skewers, and don't be afraid to experiment with flavors! Cooking should be fun and delicious.

Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty chipotle lime sauce, perfect for a summer barbecue.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving lime wedges
  • as needed wooden or metal skewers

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chipotle powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
  • Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, making sure not to overcook.
  • Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
  • Garnish the skewers with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Keyword chipotle, grill, lime, shrimp, skewers