Zesty Grilled Shrimp with Lime-Cilantro Marinade
Transform your backyard barbecues with this vibrant and zesty grilled shrimp dish! Infused with a tangy lime-cilantro marinade, these succulent shrimp capture the essence of fresh Mexican flavors, creating a perfect harmony that pairs beautifully with ice-cold margaritas. Ideal for gatherings, this low-carb recipe ensures that everyone at the table will be reaching for more, as the smoky grilled finish intensifies the marinated zest. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser that's sure to leave an impression at your next outdoor feast!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh cilantro
1 bunch (finely chopped)
scallions
8 medium (chopped)
green chilies
2 (optional, minced)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
lime juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (ground)
turmeric
1 pinch (ground)
large shrimp
3 lbs (peeled and deveined)
coarse salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
chili powder
to taste (for seasoning)
lime
1 (quartered for garnish)
fresh cilantro
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro leaves and stems, chopped scallions, optional green chilies, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, and turmeric.
2
Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
3
Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails intact, and devein them if necessary.
4
Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl and pour the cilantro marinade over them, tossing to ensure all shrimp are well-coated.
5
Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 8-12 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
When ready to grill, prepare a moderately hot charcoal fire, or preheat a gas grill.
7
Carefully scoop the shrimp from the marinade, ensuring more of it remains on one side of each shrimp.
8
Place the shrimp on the grill with the marinade-side facing up.
9
Grill for about 2 minutes until nearly cooked through, then flip each shrimp and grill for an additional minute on the marinade side.
10
Remove the shrimp from the grill and arrange them on serving plates.
11
At the table, allow guests to season their shrimp with coarse salt, fresh black pepper, chili powder, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of additional cilantro leaves for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Zesty Grilled Shrimp with Lime-Cilantro Marinade?
The dish features a tangy lime-cilantro marinade with fresh Mexican flavors and a smoky grilled finish.
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of large shrimp.
Is this grilled shrimp recipe low-carb?
Yes, this is a low-carb recipe suitable for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should be refrigerated and allowed to marinate for 8 to 12 hours.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
The marinade consists of fresh cilantro, scallions, optional green chilies, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, and turmeric.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender or food processor is used to combine the marinade ingredients until they are smooth.
Should I remove the shrimp tails before grilling?
The instructions recommend peeling the shrimp but leaving the tails intact.
Are the green chilies required for the marinade?
No, the 2 minced green chilies are listed as optional.
What type of grill fire is recommended?
A moderately hot charcoal fire or a preheated gas grill is recommended.
How do I prepare the shrimp for the grill?
Peel and devein the shrimp, then toss them in the marinade to ensure they are well-coated.
Which side of the shrimp goes on the grill first?
Place the shrimp on the grill with the marinade-side facing up initially.
How long should the first side of the shrimp cook?
The first side should grill for about 2 minutes until the shrimp are nearly cooked through.
How long should I grill the second side of the shrimp?
After flipping, grill the marinade side for an additional minute.
What garnishes should be provided at the table?
Guests can season their shrimp with coarse salt, fresh black pepper, chili powder, lime juice, and additional cilantro leaves.
How many scallions are used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 8 medium scallions, chopped.
Can I add water to the marinade?
Yes, you can add a little water while blending if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Is turmeric used in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of ground turmeric is included in the marinade.
What amount of garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
Is fresh lime juice used in the marinade?
Yes, the marinade uses 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What is the best way to arrange the shrimp on the grill?
Scoop the shrimp from the marinade so that extra marinade remains on one side, and place that side facing up.
What drinks pair well with this dish?
These zesty shrimp pair beautifully with ice-cold margaritas.
How much cilantro is needed for the marinade?
One bunch of fresh cilantro, including leaves and stems, is used.
How much cumin is in the marinade?
The marinade includes 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What should I do if the shrimp are not yet deveined?
You should devein the shrimp while peeling them before adding the marinade.
How is the lime used as a garnish?
One lime is quartered and served on the side for guests to squeeze over their shrimp.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh cilantro for both the marinade and the garnish for the best flavor.
Does this recipe include salt in the marinade?
No, salt is provided at the table for guests to season the shrimp to their own taste after grilling.
What type of pepper is recommended for seasoning?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for seasoning at the table.
Is the cilantro for the marinade chopped or whole?
The cilantro for the marinade should be finely chopped before blending.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients listed for this shrimp dish.