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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed - 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks - 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks - 1 red onion, cut into chunks - Fresh cilantro, for garnish You can add other ingredients for extra taste. Try adding: - Pineapple chunks for sweetness - Zucchini slices for a veggie boost - A splash of honey for a sweet touch Each serving of these skewers is packed with flavor and good nutrients. Here’s what you get: - Calories: 250 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Fat: 12g - Fiber: 2g These skewers are not only tasty but also healthy! They make a perfect meal for any day. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lime juice, minced chipotle pepper, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix adds spice and zest to the shrimp. After that, add the shrimp. Toss them in the marinade until they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for great flavor. Next, while the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This helps stop them from burning. When ready, take the shrimp out of the fridge. Now, it's time to assemble the skewers. Alternate the shrimp with chunks of red and green bell pepper and red onion. Start and end with shrimp. When your grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, and the veggies should be lightly charred. Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro. Always use fresh lime juice. It gives the best flavor. If you want more heat, add extra chipotle pepper to the marinade. Make sure the shrimp sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This wait time allows the flavors to soak in. You can also marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours for even better taste. Just be careful not to let them sit too long, or the acid from the lime can start to cook them. When grilling, keep an eye on the heat. Medium-high heat works best for shrimp. If the heat is too high, the shrimp can cook too fast and dry out. Turn the skewers gently using tongs. This avoids breaking the shrimp. You want nice grill marks without overcooking. If using veggies, they should get a bit charred for extra flavor. Use a meat thermometer if you're unsure. The shrimp should reach 120°F to be perfectly cooked. To get the most flavor from your shrimp skewers, use fresh ingredients. Fresh lime juice gives a bright taste. Minced chipotle in adobo adds a smoky kick. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This time helps them soak up all the flavors. You can also marinate them overnight for an even deeper taste. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. They cook fast, so watch them closely. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water first. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Also, don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave space for heat to circulate around each piece. These skewers pair well with many sides. Try serving them with rice or a fresh salad. A cool avocado dip or salsa can also be great. For drinks, serve them with a light beer or a refreshing lime soda. Garnish with fresh cilantro for color and added flavor. Enjoy your skewers at a picnic or family gathering! Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will have a better texture and flavor compared to frozen shrimp. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before marinating. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper or remove the seeds before mincing. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors. Soak Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning and keeps your shrimp and vegetables secure during cooking. Rest Before Serving: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a more flavorful bite. {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for other proteins. Chicken is a great choice. Use about 1 pound of boneless chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. You might also try firm fish like salmon or swordfish. Tofu is another option for a different taste. Make sure you press tofu to remove extra water. This helps to soak up the flavors better. For vegetarian skewers, focus on colorful veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work well. You can also add cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Marinate them just like the shrimp. Use the same marinade or change it up with a balsamic glaze. Add cubes of halloumi cheese for a tasty twist. Mix up your marinade for fun flavors. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also use lime zest for a stronger lime taste. For a sweeter touch, add honey or maple syrup. If you like heat, increase the chipotle pepper. Experiment with different spices like turmeric or curry powder too. Each change brings a new flavor to your skewers! After enjoying your Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers, you may have some left. First, let them cool down. Place the skewers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the shrimp tasty and safe to eat. If you want to keep the skewers longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat the skewers, you have a few options. You can use the grill, oven, or microwave. For the grill or oven, heat them at a low temperature. This keeps the shrimp juicy. If you use the microwave, heat them in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place frozen shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help them defrost quickly. After thawing, pat them dry before marinating. This step helps the marinade stick better. You will need a few simple tools. First, grab skewers, either metal or wooden. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to avoid burning. Next, have a mixing bowl for the marinade. A grill or grill pan is also essential for cooking the skewers. Finally, a basting brush is helpful for adding extra marinade while grilling. Shrimp cook fast, so watch them closely. They are done when they turn a lovely pink color. The flesh should be opaque and firm to touch. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure; shrimp should reach 120°F. These skewers pair well with many sides. You can serve them with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Fresh salads also work great. Try a corn salad or a simple green salad. For a fun twist, serve them with tortillas for shrimp tacos. Don’t forget a drizzle of extra lime juice for a zesty kick! In this post, I shared how to make flavorful Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for grilling. I also covered options for variations and storage. Remember, experimenting with different flavors can bring new life to your skewers. Combining simple steps will help you master this dish. Enjoy grilling, and don’t forget to share your tasty results!

Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers

Spicy and zesty shrimp skewers marinated in chipotle and lime, perfect for grilling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (minced)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced chipotle pepper, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing well to ensure all shrimp are coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Assemble the skewers by alternating shrimp with chunks of red and green bell pepper, and red onion, starting and ending with shrimp.
  • Place the skewers on the preheated grill, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the vegetables are slightly charred.
  • Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
Keyword chipotle, grilling, lime, shrimp, skewers