Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Skewers with Creamy Cilantro Dip
Elevate your grilling game with these Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Skewers, inspired by a vintage recipe from the Houston Chronicle. The natural sweetness of jumbo shrimp is perfectly balanced by a zesty chipotle dry rub, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. Paired with a luxurious cilantro dipping sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. Whip it up in under 30 minutes and enjoy the vibrant tastes of the Southwest in the comfort of your own home!
N/A
Servings
116
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
jumbo shrimp
3/4 lb (uncooked, shelled and deveined)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (ground)
dried thyme
1/2 tablespoon (ground)
lemon-pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon (store-bought or homemade)
ground chipotle chile pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for brushing)
cilantro leaves
1 cup (stemmed)
lime juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed preferred)
sour cream
1/2 cup (for dipping sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by shelling and deveining the jumbo shrimp. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon-pepper seasoning, ground chipotle pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the spice blend.
3
Add the shrimp to the bowl with the spice mix. Toss the shrimp thoroughly to ensure they are well-coated with the dry rub, allowing the flavors to penetrate the shrimp.
4
In a blender, combine the fresh cilantro leaves and lime juice. Blend until the cilantro is fully liquefied. Transfer the blend into a small mixing bowl and fold in the sour cream until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate the dipping sauce until you're ready to serve.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
6
Skewer the shrimp onto the soaked skewers, if using, or place them in a grill basket. Lightly brush both sides of the shrimp with olive oil to prevent sticking.
7
Grill the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until they are opaque and no longer translucent. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery.
8
Remove the grilled shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a minute before serving.
9
Serve the shrimp hot or at room temperature alongside the creamy cilantro dipping sauce for a delightful flavor experience.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
3g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Skewers recipe?
It is a quick Southwest-inspired dish featuring jumbo shrimp seasoned with a chipotle dry rub and served with a creamy cilantro dipping sauce.
How many calories are in one serving of this shrimp dish?
There are 116 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of these shrimp skewers?
Each serving contains 13g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 4g of fat per serving.
What are the primary spices used in the chipotle dry rub?
The dry rub consists of dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon-pepper seasoning, ground chipotle pepper, salt, and black pepper.
How do I prepare the shrimp before seasoning?
You should shell and devein the jumbo shrimp, rinse them under cold water, and pat them dry with a paper towel.
How long should the shrimp be grilled?
Grill the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes on each side until they are opaque and no longer translucent.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
How do I make the creamy cilantro dipping sauce?
Blend fresh cilantro leaves and lime juice together, then fold the mixture into sour cream until smooth.
What should I do if I am using wooden skewers?
Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning.
Can I cook the shrimp without skewers?
Yes, you can place the shrimp in a grill basket as an alternative to using skewers.
How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Lightly brush both sides of the shrimp with olive oil before placing them on the grill.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using jumbo shrimp for the best results.
How much shrimp do I need?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of uncooked jumbo shrimp.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can the dipping sauce be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce, cover it, and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
Can I serve these shrimp at room temperature?
Yes, the shrimp can be served either hot or at room temperature.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a vintage recipe from the Houston Chronicle.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes.
How much lime juice is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of lime juice, preferably freshly squeezed.
What is the ratio of cilantro to sour cream in the dip?
The dip uses 1 cup of cilantro leaves and 1/2 cup of sour cream.
What type of chipotle pepper should I use?
Use ground chipotle chile pepper for the dry rub.
Can I use store-bought lemon-pepper seasoning?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either store-bought or homemade lemon-pepper seasoning.
How much oregano and thyme are used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of ground dried oregano and 1/2 tablespoon of ground dried thyme.
Is there any fiber or sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates that fiber and sugar levels are negligible or null.
What is the texture of the shrimp after grilling?
The shrimp should be tender and opaque; avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Is this recipe suitable as an appetizer?
Yes, it is tagged as both an appetizer and a quick weeknight dinner.
How do I incorporate the spices onto the shrimp?
Toss the shrimp in a bowl with the spice blend until they are thoroughly and evenly coated.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
Expect a balance of natural sweetness from the shrimp with a zesty, smoky, and spicy kick from the chipotle and herbs.
Is olive oil used in the marinade?
Olive oil is used primarily for brushing the shrimp to prevent sticking rather than as a primary marinade ingredient.