Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s ready in a flash? Look no further! These Grilled Mexican Shrimp are bursting with zesty lime, smoky chipotle, and the sweet kiss of summer grilling. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. It's one of those easy recipes that always impresses, and it's surprisingly healthy too! Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare your grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For gas grills, preheat for about 10-15 minutes. For charcoal grills, allow the coals to become covered with ash, indicating they're ready.
Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chipotle powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss gently to coat completely. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for maximum flavor. Homemade marinades always elevate your dishes!
Grill to Perfection:
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers are best) or simply grill them directly on the grill grates.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep a close eye on them!
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top. These delicious dishes are best enjoyed hot off the grill!
Cooking Tips for the Best Grilled Mexican Shrimp:
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Give the shrimp plenty of space to cook evenly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of these grilled Mexican shrimp is heavily dependent on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Adjust the spice level: If you're not a fan of spicy food, reduce the amount of chipotle powder or omit it altogether. You can always add more later, but you can't take it away!
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor: For an even more intense flavor, marinate the shrimp for up to an hour.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Toss some bell peppers, onions, or zucchini with the shrimp marinade and grill them alongside the shrimp. This makes for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Citrus twist: Substitute some of the lime juice with orange juice for a brighter, sweeter flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 1-2g
This recipe offers quick dinner ideas and healthy meals without sacrificing flavor. It's a simple yet impressive recipe perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. Enjoy your delicious, homemade feast!