If you’re looking for a quick and tantalizing dish that bursts with zesty flavor, look no further than Grilled Key Lime Shrimp! This mouthwatering recipe combines the succulent taste of shrimp with the bright, refreshing zing of key lime juice, making it the perfect dish for a summer cookout or a cozy dinner at home. With just 20 minutes from prep to plate, you can impress your guests or treat yourself to a delightful meal that’s both easy to make and hard to resist. Get ready to fire up the grill and dive into this citrus-infused seafood sensation that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together key lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each shrimp is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate the seafood.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 400-450°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove shrimp from marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Discard remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Arrange shrimp on the hot grill, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until pink and slightly charred.
- Flip shrimp and cook an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until they are opaque and fully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough.
- Remove grilled shrimp from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
- Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes such as rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the marinating process! Allowing the shrimp to soak in the key lime marinade for at least 10-15 minutes will enhance the flavors and make the shrimp even more delicious.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). This ensures that the shrimp cook quickly and evenly, achieving that perfect char without becoming rubbery.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the shrimp on the grill, give them enough space to cook properly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling, which can affect the texture and flavor.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Shrimp cook very quickly! Keep an eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they turn opaque and slightly charred. Overcooked shrimp can become tough, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooking slightly.
- Serve with Fresh Lime: For an extra burst of flavor, serve the grilled shrimp with lime wedges. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating takes this dish to the next level!
- Pair with Complementary Sides: Consider serving your grilled shrimp with light and refreshing sides like a crisp salad, fluffy rice, or grilled vegetables to balance the meal and enhance the overall experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 170mg
