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Cooking delicious Honey Lime Shrimp Skewers starts with gathering fresh ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 teaspoon lime zest - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Fresh cilantro for garnish Each ingredient plays a vital role. The large shrimp provide a firm bite, making them perfect for skewers. Honey adds sweetness, while lime juice gives a tangy kick. Lime zest enhances the citrus flavor. Garlic brings depth, and spices like cumin and smoked paprika add warmth and smokiness. Using fresh ingredients is key. Fresh shrimp gives the best taste and texture. Opt for raw shrimp, as cooked shrimp will not work in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with the spices to suit your taste. A dash of chili powder can add heat if you like. For a twist, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil. Gather these ingredients, and you will set the stage for a fantastic grilling experience that will impress everyone! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a medium bowl and whisk together these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 teaspoon lime zest - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - A pinch of salt and pepper Mix them well until combined. The honey gives a sweet touch, while the lime juice adds tang. The garlic and spices bring depth to the flavor. Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Make sure every shrimp gets coated in this tasty marinade. This is crucial for great flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let them sit for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This longer time helps the shrimp soak up all the flavors. To maximize the flavor, remember to mix the shrimp in the marinade halfway through. This way, every bite is packed with taste. Now, it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This step is key to getting a nice char on the shrimp. Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. Aim for 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Adjust based on their size. Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grates. You can use a brush or a paper towel dipped in olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn opaque and curl slightly. This shows they are fully cooked. After grilling, remove the skewers from the heat. Let them rest for a minute. Garnish with finely chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of color. Enjoy your honey lime shrimp skewers! To pick good shrimp, look for a few key signs. Fresh shrimp should smell like the sea. They should not have a strong fishy odor. The shrimp should be firm and not mushy. Look for a shiny appearance. Any black spots or discoloration might mean they are not fresh. Fresh shrimp is usually better than frozen. Fresh shrimp has a sweeter taste. Frozen shrimp can be good if it was frozen right after catching. Always check if it has been thawed before buying. If you buy frozen, look for packages that are solid and not frostbitten. For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes. If you want even more flavor, try marinating for up to 2 hours. Just remember not to go too long, as shrimp can become mushy. You can change up the marinade too! Try adding some chili powder for heat. A splash of soy sauce can give it a savory touch. If you love herbs, add fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh twist. To keep shrimp from sticking to the grill, oil the grates. Use a paper towel dipped in oil. This will help create a non-stick surface. Place the shrimp on the grill gently. You know the shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn opaque. They will also curl slightly. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking can make shrimp tough, so watch them closely. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Depth: Allow the shrimp to marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor profile. Use Soaked Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading the shrimp to prevent burning on the grill. Check for Doneness: Watch for the shrimp to turn opaque and curl slightly; this indicates they are cooked through and tender. Experiment with Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor. {{image_4}} You can change the marinade to keep things fresh. Try using soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a new twist. You can also swap the shrimp for other seafood like scallops or salmon. Each option brings its own flavor and texture. Want some heat? Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your marinade. This adds a nice kick. For garnishing, consider using avocado slices or mango salsa. They give a cool and sweet balance to the savory shrimp. If you can’t grill, no problem! You can bake or broil the skewers in your oven. Use a broiler pan to catch drips and get a nice char. For skewering, try using bamboo or metal skewers. Mix different seafood and veggies for a colorful plate. To keep your honey lime shrimp skewers fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container. They will last for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure they cool down before sealing. - Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the skewers. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. When you want to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating shrimp can be tricky because you don’t want to lose flavor or make them tough. Here are some methods: - Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth. Place the shrimp in the skillet and cover. Heat for about 3-5 minutes. This keeps them moist. - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and reheat for about 10 minutes. You can also enjoy leftovers in new dishes. Chop the shrimp and toss them into salads. They also taste great in tacos or pasta. The honey lime flavor will add a nice twist! For skewers, large shrimp work best. I recommend using shrimp that are at least 16-20 count per pound. This size ensures they stay juicy while cooking. Always choose fresh shrimp if possible. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp is a good choice. Just make sure they are fully thawed before using. Yes, you can prepare the shrimp ahead of time. You can marinate the shrimp for up to two hours. This gives the flavors time to soak in. If you need to, you can also peel and devein the shrimp a day before cooking. Just store them in the fridge until you are ready to marinate. Look for a few visual cues to know shrimp are done. When shrimp turn opaque and curl slightly, they are ready. The safe cooking temperature for shrimp is 120°F (49°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach this temperature. Cooked shrimp should be firm but tender, not chewy. This blog post covered all you need for making delicious grilled shrimp. We explored the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips. You learned about choosing fresh shrimp and marinating for the best flavor. Try different marinades and cooking methods for new tastes. With proper storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy these skewers later. I hope you feel ready to impress your family and friends with your grilling skills!

Honey Lime Shrimp Skewers

Deliciously tangy and sweet shrimp skewers marinated in honey and lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, ensuring each shrimp is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat.
  • Carefully thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, placing about 4-5 shrimp on each skewer.
  • Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grates and gently place the skewers on the grill, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  • After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve with additional lime wedges for a fresh zest.
Keyword grilled, honey, lime, shrimp, skewers