Jalapeño Lime Grilled Shrimp

$To make Jalapeño Lime Grilled Shrimp, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s the list: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 + 1 tablespoons olive oil - 2 fresh jalapeños, deseeded and minced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Juice of 2 limes - Zest of 1 lime - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish shine. The large shrimp deliver a juicy bite. Olive oil adds richness while helping the shrimp grill well. Fresh jalapeños bring heat and flavor. Garlic infuses a warm, savory touch. Lime juice and zest brighten the dish with acid and freshness. Ground cumin and chili powder enhance the flavor, bringing warmth and depth. Finally, salt and pepper balance everything out, while cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note as a garnish. Enjoy gathering these ingredients, as they set the stage for a flavorful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced jalapeños, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these well. This marinade packs a punch of flavor. Marinating time is key. Let the shrimp sit in this marinade for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This soak allows the shrimp to absorb all the zesty goodness. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to stop the shrimp from sticking. Next, take the marinated shrimp and thread them onto skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first. This step helps prevent burning. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They'll turn pink and opaque when done. After grilling, let the shrimp rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time helps the juices settle. When ready to serve, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. This adds a bright touch and extra flavor to your dish. Enjoy your vibrant Jalapeño Lime Grilled Shrimp! To know when shrimp is done cooking, look for a few signs. Cooked shrimp turns pink and opaque. It should curl slightly but not form a tight ball. If you see these changes, your shrimp is ready. To avoid overcooking, pay close attention while grilling. Shrimp cooks fast, usually in 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they reach the right color. You can boost the flavor of your dish by adding spices. Consider using smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also add freshness. To adjust spiciness, add more jalapeños for heat. If you want less spice, remove the seeds carefully. You can also balance heat with a touch of honey or sugar. For grilling shrimp, a good grill is key. A gas or charcoal grill works well. Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Use a grill brush to oil the grates. This step helps prevent sticking. When skewering shrimp, use metal skewers for easy handling. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning. This simple trick makes a big difference in grilling. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least one hour. This will enhance the flavors and make the shrimp more tender. Choosing the Right Shrimp: Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before marinating. Grill Temperature Matters: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and develop a nice char without becoming rubbery. Garnish Just Before Serving: Add freshly chopped cilantro just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and fresh flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the marinade for Jalapeño Lime Grilled Shrimp. Consider using different spices and herbs to change the flavor. For a smoky taste, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill. If you want to use different seafood, shrimp is not your only option. Scallops or firm fish like swordfish work great too. Just remember to adjust cooking times. Scallops need just 2-3 minutes per side. Fish fillets may take a bit longer to cook through. When serving Jalapeño Lime Grilled Shrimp, think about what side dishes pair well. Grilled corn on the cob and a fresh salad are great choices. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. For gatherings, get creative! Serve the shrimp in tacos with fresh toppings. You can also present it on skewers with colorful bell peppers and onions. This makes for a fun and tasty display. If you need a gluten-free option, this recipe is already perfect as is. Just make sure your spices do not contain gluten. For a low-carb version, skip the rice or tortillas. Instead, serve the shrimp over a bed of leafy greens. If you want a vegan alternative, try using marinated grilled vegetables. Zucchini and bell peppers work well. Just follow the same steps to marinate and grill them! After grilling, let the shrimp cool to room temperature. Store the shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can also use plastic wrap or a resealable bag. When stored this way, the shrimp lasts for up to three days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. To freeze grilled shrimp, start by letting them cool completely. Then, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the shrimp tasty. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting. However, make sure to cook them right after thawing for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Start by thawing them safely. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the shrimp are fully thawed. This usually takes about an hour. After thawing, drain and pat them dry. This ensures they grill well and absorb the marinade. I recommend using large shrimp for this recipe. They hold up well on the grill. Look for shrimp that are labeled "wild-caught" for better flavor. If you can, check for shrimp that are fresh and free from any strong odor. A good size is 16-20 shrimp per pound, which gives you juicy bites. To amp up the heat, try using more jalapeños. You can also leave some seeds in. Another option is to add red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you want even more spice, mix in some hot sauce or diced serrano peppers. Just remember to taste as you go! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Marinate the shrimp up to one hour before grilling. If you want to save time, you can also marinate them the night before. Just keep them in the fridge, and they will soak up all the flavors. When you’re ready to eat, just grill them quickly! Jalapeño Lime Grilled Shrimp is a simple dish with bold flavors. You learned about the key ingredients, like fresh shrimp and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and grilling to perfection. Tips on cooking techniques and variations help you customize the dish. For leftovers, proper storage ensures great taste later. Enjoy experimenting with different marinades and serving ideas. Whether for a meal or party, this recipe is sure to impress.$

A zesty and spicy shrimp dish grilled to perfection, infused with jalapeño and lime flavors.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 whole fresh jalapeños, deseeded and minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 whole limes, juiced
1 whole lime, zested
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
to taste salt
to taste pepper
to garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced jalapeños, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss until all shrimp are coated well.
Cover and refrigerate the marinated shrimp for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to enhance the flavors.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. (If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand.)
Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Keyword grilled, jalapeño, lime, shrimp, spicy