Quick Look at this Easy Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- Ready In: 45 minutes
- Quick Marinade Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Only 2-4 minutes!
- Serves: 4
- Main Ingredients: large shrimp, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Flavor Profile: light and fresh that is bold without being heavy.
- Dietary Info: Whole30, Paleo, Dairy-Free, and Gluten-Free
- Best For: Enjoying as a main or adding to tacos, salads, or bowls (hello cilantro lime shrimp bowl).
Share and summarize this recipe:
Why This Grilled Shrimp Makes Our Dinner Rotation
- Easy and quick marinade in just a few minutes!
- Weeknight Friendly – ready-to-eat in about 45 minutes, including the marinade.
- Only 6 real, simple ingredients!
- Cooking Options: outside on the grill or see notes for stove top method.
- Versatile: Serve in a variety of different ways!
Key Ingredients + Substitutions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for a full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.
- Shrimp – highly recommend using deveined, easy-to-peel 16/20 shrimp or prawns. Their large or jumbo size gives the best flavor and is less likely to fall through the grates while grilling.
- Olive Oil – substitute with avocado oil, if desired.
- Lime Juice – option to use fresh lime juice or bottled lime juice. For best results, use freshly squeezed lime juice.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Step 1 – Put the marinade ingredients in a small food processor.
Step 2 – Blend until smooth.
How Long Should You Marinate Shrimp?
Due to the high acidity level of the lime juice in this cilantro lime marinade recipe, you will only want the shrimp to marinate for 30 minutes. Extended exposure to the lime juice would change the nature of the shrimp, causing them to be mushy if left for too long.
Step 3 – Marinate shrimp for up to 30 minutes.
Step 4 – Grill shrimp on preheated, clean and greased grill until done.
How To Know When Shrimp Is Fully Cooked?
Shrimp cook very quickly and only need about 1-2 minutes per side over direct heat. They are done when they are pink in color and no longer opaque. Fully cooked shrimp will also form a c-shape. If they start to form an o-shape they are getting over cooked.
Best Ways To Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp
These perfectly grilled shrimp can be served in so many different ways. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy them:
- Shrimp Rice Bowl: highly recommend making our Cilantro Lime Shrimp Rice Bowl or add to an Avocado & Brown Rice Bowl!
- Shrimp Tacos: serve on flour tortillas or corn tortillas with all of your favorite taco toppings, like cilantro yogurt sauce, homemade guacamole, lime wedges, shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, etc.
- Salad: they would be perfect on top of a salad, like our Ultimate Grilled Shrimp Salad or a great protein option for any of your other favorite summer salads!
- With Side Dishes: enjoy as a main dish with some easy side dishes, like grilled broccoli, grilled potato wedges, and/or grilled brussel sprouts.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp FAQs
Yes, it needs to be fully thawed under cold water before cooking.
Yes, a cast iron skillet or stove top grill pan would work too. Simply drizzle a little oil in the skillet at a medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side.
This texture happens when the shrimp are overcooked. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are pink, no longer opaque, and formed a c-shape.
Yes, a cilantro lime marinade can be made in advance but should not be added to the shrimp until 30 minutes before cooking.
Other Easy Shrimp Recipes You Might Like
Made this recipe and loved it?!
We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!
Follow Us on Social
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw and shelled*
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup extra light olive oil
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- zest of 1-2 limes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
For Serving:
Instructions
- Prep Shrimp: Ensure 1 pound large shrimp is shelled and thawed (if previously frozen) – you can leave the tail on if you want, personal preference.
- Make Marinade: Add 1 cup fresh cilantro, ½ cup extra light olive oil, ½ cup fresh lime juice, zest of 1-2 limes and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to a small food processor or blender. Blend until combined.
- Marinate Shrimp: Place shrimp in a reusable silicone bag or glass bowl. Pour marinade over top and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate up to 30 minutes.
- Grill Shrimp: Ensure grill grates are clean and grill is heated to medium-high heat (about 400-450℉). Lightly grease the grates and place shrimp over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side or until shrimp are no longer opaque and cooked through (this might be less for smaller shrimp and more for thicker shrimp).
- Serve: Enjoy over cilantro lime rice (or rice of your choosing)!
Notes
- Stove Top Method: Add a tablespoon of olive oil (or ghee) to a large skillet (enough to coat the bottom) and bring to medium-high heat. Add shrimp/prawns to the skillet and cook about 2 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- *Shrimp: make sure to fully thaw any frozen shrimp, remove the shells, and tails (if desired).
- Storage: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
-
Nutrition
Originally published 6/19/19. Recipe retested and new photos added 7/22/24.
The Wooden Skillet Grilling Club 🔥
Get 5 days of our most-loved grilling recipes delivered straight to your inbox—from backyard BBQ favorites and fresh summer salads to seafood, chicken dinners, and complete meal ideas!
Leave a Rating & Comment