3-Ingredient Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Skewers Recipe

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Want a quick and tasty shrimp dish? Try these 3-ingredient cilantro-lime shrimp skewers. You only need olive oil, cilantro, and lime to make a zesty marinade for juicy shrimp.

This recipe is super easy. Just mix the marinade, toss the shrimp, and thread them onto skewers. Pop them in the oven for a few minutes, and you’ve got a yummy meal ready to go. Perfect for busy weeknights or fun weekend cookouts!

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need for these tasty shrimp skewers:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 lime (zest and juice)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 24 ounces jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Don’t have these exact items? No worries! Try these swaps:

• Olive oil → Avocado oil or melted butter
• Cilantro → Parsley or basil
• Lime → Lemon or orange
• Kosher salt → Sea salt or table salt
• Black pepper → White pepper or a pinch of cayenne
• Jumbo shrimp → Any size shrimp or even chunks of firm fish

Feel free to play around with the herbs and spices. Add some garlic or chili flakes if you like it spicy. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, so have fun and make it your own!

Instructions

You’ll love how easy these shrimp skewers are to make! Start by soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning in the oven.

While the skewers soak, preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a bowl and mix olive oil, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Add your shrimp to this tasty mixture. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Let the flavors mingle for a few minutes.

Next, thread the shrimp onto your skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly – leave a little space between each one.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange your skewers on top, making sure they’re not touching.

Pop the sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Once done, carefully remove the skewers. They’ll be hot! Let them cool for a minute before serving.

Enjoy your zesty cilantro-lime shrimp skewers right away. They’re perfect as an appetizer or main dish!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best results, use fresh jumbo shrimp. If you only have frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for about 30 minutes before marinating.

You can prep the marinade ahead of time. Mix the olive oil, cilantro, lime zest, and juice up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container.

Don’t marinate the shrimp for too long. 10-15 minutes is plenty. If left too long, the lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp.

Try grilling the skewers instead of baking. Preheat your grill to medium-high and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.

To store leftovers, remove the shrimp from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat leftover shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.

Here are some tasty ways to use leftover cilantro-lime shrimp:

• Toss them in a salad
• Add to tacos or burritos
• Serve over rice or quinoa
• Use as a pizza topping

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.