Easy, Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe

Making homemade marinades is always fun. And it’s usually results in a much tastier marinade than those store-bought marinades. One of my favorite fruits to use in marinades is lime. Chipotle Lime, Cilantro Lime, Mint Lime. You can get pretty creative with limes when making marinades. Citrus usually mixes well with seafood. Over the past weekend, we decided to do some grilling. Shrimp was one of the items on the menu. I made a tasty marinade, with limes, for the shrimp.

Shrimp is one of my favorite seafood items. It tastes great prepared many different ways. You’re not limited to butter and wine and or garlic as a sauce for it. If you haven’t ever tried it grilled, you must try it soon! Low carb. Low fat. Delicious. I hope you enjoy this simple seafood recipe.

Skip to My Special Recipe!

Why This Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe Works

There are countless recipes for grilled shrimp out there, and for good reason. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that feels both light and satisfying, perfect for a sunny afternoon by the pool or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of bright lime and fresh cilantro is a flavor pairing that just screams fresh and zesty. It’s a popular duo in everything from salsas to marinades because it works so incredibly well, especially with the natural sweetness of seafood.

Most recipes stop right there, with the familiar, delicious trio of shrimp, cilantro, and lime. They are absolutely good. But we’re not just aiming for good here at This Gal Cooks, are we? We’re aiming for memorable. We want our guests to take a bite and have their eyes widen just a little bit with surprise and delight. That’s where my special twist comes into play and why this specific Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe stands out from the rest.

The secret is a tiny pinch of allspice. It’s an ingredient you probably associate with fall baking or spiced ciders, but its magic is transformative here. Allspice contains notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, and that warm, complex spice profile does something truly special when paired with the sharp citrus and bright herb. It adds an unexpected layer of warmth and depth that rounds out the flavors perfectly. It doesn’t scream “allspice,” it whispers, adding a subtle complexity that makes the entire dish taste richer and more thoughtfully prepared. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates this recipe from a simple grilled shrimp dish to an elegant and intriguing culinary experience.

Ingredients for Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. We’re using a handful of fresh, powerful ingredients to create a marinade that does all the heavy lifting. Each component has a role to play, from the acid that tenderizes to the spice that intrigues. The real star, of course, is that little pinch of something unexpected.

Quality makes a big difference here. Using fresh-squeezed lime juice will give you a much brighter, more authentic flavor than the bottled kind. And when it comes to shrimp, I always suggest buying the best you can find. I prefer large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound) because they hold up well on the grill and are less likely to overcook. Whether you use fresh or frozen, make sure they are peeled and deveined to save you a ton of prep time!

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to get started:

• 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp honey
• Juice from one medium lime
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Pinch of allspice
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

The allspice is our secret weapon. A little goes a long way, so just a pinch is all you need to introduce that lovely, warm complexity that will make your shrimp sing. It complements the sweetness of the honey and the heat of the red pepper flakes, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful marinade for our Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Bringing this incredible dish to life is wonderfully straightforward. The process is quick, which makes it an ideal recipe for a busy weeknight or for when you’re entertaining and would rather spend time with your guests than in the kitchen. We’ll mix a quick marinade, let the shrimp soak up all that flavor, and then give them a fast sear on the grill. Let’s walk through it together.

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, you’ll start by creating the flavor base for our shrimp. Add the honey, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, sea salt, that secret pinch of allspice, and the crushed red pepper. Whisk everything together until the honey has fully dissolved and all the ingredients are well combined. You should have a fragrant, slightly thick marinade. Give it a quick taste, this is your chance to adjust if you’d like a little more heat or salt.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Next, add your peeled and deveined shrimp directly into the bowl with the marinade. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the shrimp until every single one is evenly coated in that glorious cilantro lime mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Now, this step is important: you want to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than an hour. The acid from the lime juice is working to tenderize the shrimp, but if left for too long, it will start to break down the delicate proteins and can result in a mushy texture. Thirty to sixty minutes is the sweet spot for maximum flavor infusion without compromising the texture.

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Shrimp can easily fall through standard grill grates, so I highly recommend using a grill wok or a grill basket. This is one of my favorite tools for grilling smaller items. It allows you to get that beautiful char and smoky flavor without losing a single shrimp to the flames. Once the grill is hot, add the marinated shrimp to the grill wok in a single layer. Grill for about 5 to 10 minutes, flipping them about halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they are pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can go from perfectly tender to rubbery in a flash!

How To Serve Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Once those beautiful shrimp come off the grill, sizzling and fragrant, the fun part begins. The versatility of this Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp is one of its greatest strengths. You can dress it up for a lovely dinner party or keep it casual for a simple family meal. The bright, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors pair beautifully with a wide variety of side dishes and serving styles.

For a light and healthy meal, these shrimp are absolutely fantastic on top of a big, fresh salad. Think mixed greens, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and maybe some grilled corn, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. The warm, smoky shrimp provide a wonderful contrast to the cool, crisp vegetables. It’s a meal that feels both indulgent and incredibly wholesome.

Here are a few of my other favorite ways to serve them:

• Shrimp Tacos: Warm up some corn or flour tortillas and pile them high with the grilled shrimp. Top with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of avocado crema, some crumbled cotija cheese, and a little extra fresh cilantro. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top is a must.
• Rice Bowls: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. Add some black beans, mango salsa, and a few slices of fresh avocado for a delicious and satisfying bowl meal.
• Simple Skewers: If you don’t have a grill basket, you can thread the shrimp onto skewers before grilling. This makes for a great appetizer. Serve them on a platter with your favorite seafood sauce or a creamy cilantro-lime dip for easy party food.
• With Pasta: Toss the grilled shrimp with some angel hair pasta, a little olive oil, garlic, and a splash of white wine for a simple yet elegant pasta dish.

No matter how you choose to serve them, they are best enjoyed hot off the grill. The combination of smoky char and vibrant marinade is truly something special. Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix and match with your favorite sides!

How To Store & Reuse Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Leftovers

While this Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp is so delicious that you might not have any leftovers, it’s always good to have a plan just in case. Luckily, these shrimp store and reheat beautifully, and they can be repurposed into some fantastic next-day meals. The key is to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture.

First things first, let any leftover shrimp cool down to room temperature, but don’t leave them out for more than an hour or so. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and pop them into the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. I wouldn’t recommend freezing cooked shrimp, as the texture can become a bit rubbery upon thawing and reheating.

When it comes to reusing them, you have so many wonderful options:

• Quick Shrimp Salad: Chop up the cold leftover shrimp and mix it with a little mayonnaise, some finely chopped celery, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It makes a fantastic sandwich filling or a topping for crackers.
• Speedy Quesadillas: Layer the shrimp and some shredded Monterey Jack cheese between two flour tortillas. Pan-fry in a lightly oiled skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
• Enhance a Soup: Add the leftover shrimp to a simple vegetable or black bean soup during the last minute of cooking. They will warm through quickly and add a wonderful boost of protein and flavor.
• Easy Fried Rice: Chop the shrimp and toss them into your favorite fried rice recipe along with veggies, egg, and soy sauce for an instant meal upgrade.

To reheat the shrimp on their own, it’s best to do it gently to avoid making them tough. You can sauté them in a skillet over low heat for just a minute or two with a splash of water or broth, or even pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it!

Substitutions & Variations For Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp

While I believe this recipe is pretty close to perfect as is, I always encourage a little creativity in the kitchen! This Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily tweak to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or simply what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment, that’s how new family favorites are born.

The marinade is a great place to start playing. It’s a balance of sweet, acidic, herbaceous, and spicy, and you can adjust any of those elements. For example, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or even dill could work, though they will definitely change the overall flavor profile. If you want more heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Here are some other fun substitutions and variations to try:

• Sweetener Swap: If you don’t have honey, you can easily substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar. Each will lend a slightly different character to the marinade, with maple adding a richer, deeper sweetness.
• Citrus Variations: While lime is classic, you could experiment with a mix of lime and orange juice for a slightly sweeter, less tart marinade. A splash of grapefruit juice could also be an interesting and tangy twist.
• Protein Change-Up: This marinade is not just for shrimp! It would be absolutely delicious on chicken breast tenders, firm white fish like cod or halibut, or even on scallops. Just be sure to adjust your grilling time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
• Add Some Veggies: Make it a complete meal on a stick by turning these into kabobs. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, alternating with chunks of bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes before grilling. The veggies will soak up that delicious marinade too.

Feel free to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re adjusting the spice level or trying a completely different protein, the core flavors are versatile enough to handle a little bit of fun experimentation. Enjoy the process of creating your perfect version!

Recipe: Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp honey
• Juice from one medium lime
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Pinch of allspice
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, cilantro, sea salt, olive oil, allspice and crushed red pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
2. Grill on a grill wok over medium high heat for 5-10 minutes or until cooked through. Flip the shrimp about half way through cooking.
3. Enjoy alone or with your favorite seafood sauce.

5 FAQs About Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe.

What’s the best kind of shrimp to use for grilled cilantro lime shrimp?

This is a great question because the shrimp you choose can really make a difference. For grilling, size matters. I strongly recommend using large or jumbo shrimp, which are typically labeled as 16/20 or 21/25 count per pound. Smaller shrimp cook incredibly fast and can easily overcook and become rubbery on the intense heat of a grill. Larger shrimp are more forgiving, giving you a wider window to achieve that perfect, juicy texture with a nice char on the outside.

As for fresh versus frozen, either can work wonderfully. The most important thing is quality. Often, the “fresh” shrimp you see at the seafood counter was previously frozen anyway. Frozen shrimp that are flash-frozen right on the boat are often of excellent quality. If you buy frozen, look for raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp with the tails on or off, whichever you prefer. This will save you a ton of prep work. Just be sure to thaw them properly by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a few minutes before marinating.

Can I make grilled cilantro lime shrimp without a grill?

Absolutely! While the grill adds a lovely smoky flavor, you can get fantastic results using other cooking methods. The marinade is so flavorful that the shrimp will be delicious no matter how you cook them. My favorite alternative is a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat with a little bit of oil. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. You’ll get a beautiful sear that’s very similar to grilling.

You can also use your oven’s broiler. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet and place them on a rack about 4-6 inches from the broiler element. Broil for 2-3 minutes per side. Keep a very close eye on them, as the broiler is intense and they can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a matter of seconds. Both of these methods are excellent for getting that quick, high-heat cook that shrimp loves.

How do I know when my grilled cilantro lime shrimp is perfectly cooked?

The fear of overcooking shrimp is real, but there are a few clear visual cues to look for that will tell you when they’re done. The most obvious sign is the color change. Raw shrimp are translucent and grayish. As they cook, they will turn an opaque, pearly pinkish-white color. You want the entire shrimp, even the thickest part, to be opaque. If you see any grayish, translucent spots, they need a little more time.

Another great indicator is their shape. As shrimp cook, the muscle contracts, causing them to curl. A perfectly cooked shrimp will curl into a loose “C” shape. If it curls into a tight “O” shape, it’s likely overcooked and will be on the tougher side. The total cooking time will be short, usually just 5-7 minutes on a medium-high grill. It’s always better to err on the side of slightly undercooking them, as they will continue to cook from residual heat for a minute after you take them off the grill.

Can I prepare the marinade for grilled cilantro lime shrimp in advance?

Yes, you can, and it’s a great way to save time! You can whisk together all the marinade ingredients, the honey, lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, and spices, and store it in an airtight container or a jar in the refrigerator for up to two days. This is a fantastic prep step if you’re planning a party or just want to make dinner time a little smoother on a busy day. The flavors will have even more time to meld together.

However, it is very important that you do not add the shrimp to the marinade until you are ready to start the marinating process, about 30-60 minutes before you plan to cook. The acid in the lime juice will begin to break down the proteins in the shrimp, effectively “cooking” it like in a ceviche. If the shrimp sits in the acidic marinade for too long, it can become mushy and tough when you grill it. So, marinade ahead, but wait to add the shrimp!

Why did my grilled cilantro lime shrimp turn out tough?

This is the most common issue people have when cooking shrimp, and it almost always comes down to one of two things: over-marinating or overcooking. As I mentioned, the lime juice in the marinade is acidic. While this is great for tenderizing and adding flavor, leaving the shrimp in it for too long, more than an hour, will have the opposite effect. The acid will “cook” the shrimp and alter its texture, making it tough and a bit mealy once you apply heat.

The second, and even more common culprit, is simply overcooking. Shrimp have very little fat and cook incredibly quickly. We’re talking minutes, not tens of minutes. On a hot grill, they might only need two or three minutes per side. The moment they turn from translucent to opaque pink and curl into that nice “C” shape, they are done. Even an extra minute can be the difference between juicy and tender versus tough and rubbery. Always keep a close eye on them and pull them from the heat as soon as they’re done.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved the fresh, zesty flavors of this grilled shrimp, I have a few other recipes I know you’ll enjoy.

• Homemade Crab Cakes With Sweet Chili Lime Sauce: This surprisingly easy recipes offers a similar flavor profile but with crab cakes instead of shrimp!
• Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: A delicious, low-carb bowl that packs in all the fajita flavor you love with a healthy twist.
• 30 Delicious Recipes for Shrimp Lovers: For when you need even more inspiration, this roundup has thirty of the best shrimp recipes all in one place.