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Smokey Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers

Experience the tantalizing combination of smokey chipotle and zesty lime, married with the freshness of cilantro in these succulent shrimp skewers.

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Pixicook editorial team

Experience the tantalizing combination of smokey chipotle and zesty lime, married with the freshness of cilantro in these succulent shrimp skewers.

Ingredients for Smokey Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Cilantro, finely chopped

cups

Chipotle Chile In Adobo Sauce, chopped

tablespoons

Adobo Sauce

tablespoons

Garlic Clove, minced

each

Lime Juice

tablespoons

Ground Cumin

teaspoons

Paprika

teaspoons

Sugar

teaspoons

Table Salt

teaspoons

Jumbo Shrimp, peeled and deveined

0 lb

Wooden Skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

each

How to Make Smokey Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers

1. Marinade Mix

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, chipotles, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, cumin, paprika, sugar, and salt until well combined.

2. Shrimp Toss

Add the shrimp to the bowl and gently toss to thoroughly coat them with the mayonnaise mixture.

3. Skewer Assembly

Thread the shrimp onto the soaked skewers, placing 8 to 10 shrimp on each set of skewers, ensuring they are all facing the same direction and nestled closely together.

4. Charcoal Grill Setup

Open the bottom vent of your grill. Ignite a large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (approximately 7 quarts). When the top coals are partially covered with ash, pour them evenly over the grill. Place the cooking grate, cover the grill, and fully open the lid vent. Preheat the grill until it is hot, which should take about 5 minutes.

5. Gas Grill Setup

Turn all burners to high, cover the grill, and preheat until hot, about 15 minutes. Keep all burners on high.

6. Grill Ready

Clean the cooking grate and brush it with oil. Lay the skewers on the grill.

7. Grill Shrimp

Cook the shrimp skewers until they are lightly charred and fully cooked through, approximately 2 minutes on each side.

8. Serve Hot

Transfer the shrimp skewers to a serving platter and accompany them with the lime wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.

Pitfalls and tips

Selecting Shrimp

Opt for fresh, large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) with shells on for the best flavor. The shells protect the delicate meat during grilling and impart a deeper seafood taste. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent steaming on the grill.

Don't Overcook

Shrimp can go from perfectly tender to rubbery in a matter of seconds. Cook each side for just 2-3 minutes or until you see nice grill marks. The residual heat will continue to cook the shrimp slightly after you remove them from the grill.

Perfect Grill Temperature

Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. You want the grill to be hot enough to sear the shrimp quickly while avoiding overcooking. Shrimp cook quickly and are done once they turn pink and opaque.

Marination Magic

Use fresh cilantro and lime juice in your marinade for a vibrant, fresh flavor. The acid from the lime will start to "cook" the shrimp, so limit the marination time to 15-30 minutes to prevent them from becoming too firm or ceviche-like.

Balanced Smokiness

If you're using a grill, consider adding a touch of smokiness with either soaked wood chips or a smoker box filled with your preferred wood. For indoor cooking, a dash of smoked paprika in the marinade can impart a subtle smokiness.

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