Juicy grilled cilantro lime shrimp skewers marinated in cilantro and lime. A quick 20-minute summer meal perfect for barbecues. Serve with rice and salsa.

I first made these grilled cilantro lime shrimp skewers on a hot July afternoon when I wanted something fast but impressive. The marinade comes together in minutes, just lime, cilantro, garlic, and a little oil. After a short marinade, the shrimp hit the grill and in under five minutes they're done. That tangy, smoky flavor with a pop of fresh cilantro is exactly what summer barbecues need.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

It's a 20 minute meal from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
The cilantro lime marinade keeps the shrimp juicy and bright, not heavy.
You can throw these on the grill alongside veggies or serve them over rice for a complete dinner.

Key Ingredients for the Best Cilantro Lime Marinade

Shrimp: Look for large shrimp, 16/20 or 21/25 count per pound. Fresh or frozen both work, just thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before marinating. The size matters because smaller shrimp cook too fast and can get tough.
Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro, not dried. The leaves and tender stems are fine. If you're one of those people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap, try flat-leaf parsley instead, it won't be the same, but it's still good.
Lime: You need both the juice and the zest. The zest gives a bright, floral note that juice alone can't match. Roll the lime on the counter before juicing to get more out of it.

Kitchen Tools You Need for Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Wood or metal skewers
Outdoor grill or grill pan (or broiler)
Mixing bowl for marinade
Tongs for turning skewers

Tips for Juicy Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Marinade

Don't skip soaking the wood skewers. Ten minutes in water keeps them from burning on the grill. For the marinade, go easy on the oil, a tablespoon is plenty to coat the shrimp without making them greasy. Let the shrimp sit for the full 30 minutes; any less and the lime flavor won't sink in. When grilling, watch them closely. Shrimp cook fast, usually two to three minutes per side. They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly.

Expert Advice for Perfect Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp

For the best char, make sure your grill is hot, medium-high heat works well. If you're using metal skewers, you don't need to soak them, but they'll get hot, so handle with care. Thread the shrimp snugly but not too tight; leave a little space between each one so the heat circulates. If you want extra smokiness, toss a handful of soaked wood chips on the coals before grilling.

How to Get Perfectly Grilled Shrimp Without Overcooking

Shrimp are forgiving if you watch them closely. The biggest mistake is walking away. Once they hit the hot grill, they need just a few minutes per side. Look for the color change: raw shrimp are grayish, cooked shrimp turn pink and white. The shape also tells you, when they curl into a loose C, they're done. If they curl into a tight O, they're overdone. Pull them off the heat as soon as they're pink. Carryover cooking will finish the job.

Easy Variations for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

If shrimp isn't your thing, try the same marinade with boneless chicken thighs, just increase the grilling time to about six minutes per side. For a spicy kick, add a minced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also swap the lime for lemon or orange juice for a different citrus twist. Want a vegetarian version? Marinate thick slices of zucchini or portobello mushrooms and grill them the same way.

What to Serve with Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

I like to serve these skewers over a bed of fluffy white rice with a scoop of black bean salsa on the side. The salsa adds a cool, earthy contrast to the tangy shrimp. For a lighter meal, try them with a simple avocado salad or grilled corn on the cob. A squeeze of extra lime right before eating brightens everything up.

How to Store Leftover Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Leftover grilled shrimp skewers keep in the fridge for up to two days. Store them in an airtight container, and if you can, remove the shrimp from the skewers first, it saves space and makes reheating easier.

Can You Freeze Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp?

You can freeze the cooked shrimp for up to one month. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. They won't be quite as juicy as fresh, but they're still good for salads or tacos.

Best Way to Reheat Grilled Shrimp Skewers

The best way to reheat grilled shrimp is in a hot skillet over medium heat for a minute or two per side. You can also pop them in a 350°F oven for about five minutes. Avoid the microwave, it makes them rubbery. If they seem dry, drizzle a little lime juice over them before reheating.

Recipe

Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

Pin recipe

Servings: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Appetizer

Ingredients

Instructions

Soak the wood skewers in water for about 10 minutes.
In medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, and garlic. Again, we didn’t measure but just guess to your taste. We didn’t use much oil, maybe 1 Tablespoon.
Toss the shrimp in the lime/cilantro mixture. Let them marinade for about 30 minutes.
Put the shrimp on the wood skewers. As many as will fit.
On a heated grill, grill the skewers, only a few minutes for each side.
Serve with rice and black bean salsa, if you wish.