Save Succulent shrimp marinated in a smoky chipotle-lime sauce, perfectly grilled and served over fluffy cilantro-lime rice. This vibrant, zesty dish brings a touch of heat to your table and is sure to impress with its bold flavors.
I first made this for a summer gathering, and everyone kept raving about the juicy shrimp and citrusy rice combination. The hint of smoke from chipotle adds a unique twist that makes this recipe stand out from the usual grilled seafood dishes.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and deveined
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp for the marinade plus 1 tbsp for rice
- Lime juice: 2 tbsp (about 1 lime) divided
- 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 for shrimp and 1/2 tsp for rice
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Long grain white rice: 1 cup
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups
- Zest of lime: from 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Lime wedges: optional, for garnish
- Extra chopped cilantro: optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chipotle Lime Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp chipotle peppers, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice:
- Rinse rice until water runs clear. In a saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and rice. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Add 2 cups water or broth and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff rice, and stir in lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Grill the Shrimp:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until opaque and lightly charred.
- Serve:
- Arrange grilled shrimp over cilantro lime rice and garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro as desired.
Save This is one of our family's favorite weeknight meals after a long day. Everyone enjoys building their own plates with extra lime and cilantro, making dinner fun and customizable.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan with lid, grill or grill pan, skewers (soak if wooden), knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp). All other ingredients are naturally gluten- and dairy-free but check packaged products for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 27 g
Save Chipotle lime shrimp and rice is a crowd-pleaser packed with flavor. Bring it to your next cookout for an easy main dish everyone will love.
Common Questions
- → How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate the shrimp between 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors of chipotle, lime, and spices to infuse without making the shrimp mushy.
- → Can I substitute the rice with a different grain?
Yes, brown rice or quinoa can be used as alternatives for a heartier, whole grain option that complements the shrimp well.
- → What grill temperature is best for cooking the shrimp?
Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to achieve a nicely charred exterior while keeping the shrimp juicy inside.
- → How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the skewers?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading shrimp to prevent burning and sticking during grilling.
- → Is it possible to increase the spice level?
For more heat, add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade to suit your preference.