Save Succulent shrimp marinated in a smoky chipotle&lime sauce, perfectly grilled and served over fluffy cilantro&lime rice—a vibrant, zesty dish with a touch of heat.
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family—it brought the tastes of our favorite Mexican grill right to our backyard, with everyone going back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and deveined
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (plus 1 tbsp for rice)
- Lime juice: 2 tbsp (about 1 lime, plus 2 tbsp and zest for rice)
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Honey: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (plus 1/2 tsp for rice)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Long grain white rice: 1 cup
- Water or low&sodium chicken broth: 2 cups
- Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Lime wedges: for garnish (optional)
- Extra chopped cilantro: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, honey, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15&30 minutes.
- Prepare the rice:
- While shrimp marinates, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and stir for 1&2 minutes.
- Cook the rice:
- Add water or broth and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in lime zest, juice, and cilantro.
- Grill the shrimp:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium&high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers. Grill shrimp for 2&3 minutes per side, or until opaque and lightly charred.
- Assemble and serve:
- Serve grilled shrimp over cilantro lime rice. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired.
Save Making these shrimp skewers has become a summer tradition for us—the scent of grilling shrimp always means family time and outdoor laughter.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try swapping brown rice or quinoa for the white rice to add a nutty, wholesome flavor and extra nutrition.
Storing&Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Save A burst of zesty chipotle&lime flavor in every bite—perfect for summer gatherings or a quick dinner any night of the week.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate the shrimp for 15–30 minutes to allow the chipotle-lime flavors to infuse without overpowering the shrimp's natural taste.
- → Can I use a different grain instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice or quinoa can be substituted for a whole grain alternative, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- → What grilling method works best for this dish?
Using a grill or grill pan preheated to medium-high heat ensures the shrimp cooks evenly with a nice char while retaining juiciness.
- → How can I increase the heat level in this dish?
Add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier kick.
- → Are there any common allergens in this dish?
This dish contains shellfish due to the shrimp. All other ingredients are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, but cross-contamination should be checked.
- → What sides pair well with chipotle lime shrimp and rice?
Grilled vegetables or a fresh avocado salad complement the smoky, citrusy flavors nicely and add balance to the meal.