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Flavorful Firecracker Shrimp Skewers Recipe with Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice

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Spicy, smoky firecracker shrimp skewers paired with zesty cilantro lime rice create a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for summer grilling or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 teaspoons red chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, red chili flakes, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, tossing gently to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating longer than 30 minutes to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy.
  2. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  3. Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and olive oil or butter. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Keep warm while you cook the shrimp.
  4. Remove shrimp from marinade (discard leftover marinade). Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer, piercing through the tail and body to secure them.
  5. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and have nice grill marks. Avoid overcooking; shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
  6. Plate the shrimp skewers alongside a generous scoop of cilantro lime rice. Garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Do not marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture. Brush grill with oil to prevent sticking. Watch shrimp closely while grilling to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: firecracker shrimp, shrimp skewers, cilantro lime rice, spicy shrimp, grilled shrimp, summer recipe, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe

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