Spicy Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple Salsa
Nothing beats the flavors of grilled shrimp seasoned with a spicy chipotle and lime marinade paired with a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa. These shrimp skewers are easy to throw together, cook quickly on the grill, and taste absolutely amazing!
For the shrimp, you'll need:
- 1 1⁄2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
The combination of smoky chipotle powder, tangy lime juice, and savory garlic and cumin really give these shrimp great flavor. The shrimp marinate for 30 minutes or up to overnight so they soak up all that zesty flavor.
For the pineapple salsa, you'll need:
- 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
- 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
The sweet pineapple and salty onion pair perfectly in this salsa. The jalapeno adds a little kick and the cilantro gives it a fresh, bright flavor. Squeeze the lime juice over just before serving to keep the pineapple from oxidizing and turning brown.
Making these shrimp skewers is easy!
Simply combine the marinade ingredients - olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chipotle powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper - in a resealable bag. Add the shrimp and let marinate for 30 minutes to overnight. The longer the shrimp marinates, the more flavor they will absorb.
When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand so they don't burn on the grill.
Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer. Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Serve them hot off the grill along with the tangy pineapple salsa.
The salsa comes together quickly while the shrimp are grilling.
Chop the pineapple, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. Combine in a bowl. Right before serving, stir in the lime juice and season with a pinch of salt.
Let the salsa sit at room temperature so the flavors can blend while you grill the shrimp. Give it a taste and add more lime juice or salt if desired.
The pineapple salsa stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days so you can make it ahead of time. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the juices.
There are so many ways to serve these easy grilled shrimp skewers!
- Pile them on top of salad greens for a main dish salad.
- Serve them tacos or burritos with pineapple salsa and shredded cabbage.
- Enjoy them on top of rice or quinoa for a simple weeknight dinner.
- Serve as an appetizer for a backyard barbecue.
- Layer them over nachos for a fun twist.
No matter how you serve them, the combination of spicy shrimp with sweet and tangy pineapple salsa is incredible! The lime and cilantro cut through the richness of the shrimp perfectly.
To get perfectly cooked shrimp right off the grill, follow these tips:
- Use metal skewers - they conduct heat better than wood or bamboo.
- Cut the shrimp to similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Clean and oil the grill grates before adding the shrimp.
- Grill the shrimp with the tails pointing away from the hottest part of the grill.
- Flip the shrimp once during cooking for even doneness.
- Don't overcrowd the grill - cook in batches if needed.
With these tips, you'll have tender, juicy shrimp in just a few minutes time. No complicated recipes needed - let the flavorful chipotle lime marinade do all the work!
FAQs
Can I make the shrimp skewers on a stovetop?
Yes, you can cook the shrimp skewers in a grill pan or skillet instead of on an outdoor grill. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook a few minutes per side until done. They won't have quite the same charred, smoky flavor, but will still be full of flavor from the marinade.
How do you stop shrimp from sticking to the skewers?
Soaking wooden or bamboo skewers for 30 minutes before using can help prevent sticking. You can also lightly brush the skewers with olive oil or coat with nonstick cooking spray. Using metal skewers is another good option since they rarely stick.
Can I freeze the shrimp skewers?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked shrimp skewers. First, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
What's the best way to peel and devein shrimp?
An easy method is to use a small paring knife to slice down the back of the shrimp to expose the vein. Grab the vein with your fingers and pull it out. Then peel off the shell from tail to head. Rinse the shrimp under cool water when finished.
Can I make the pineapple salsa spicy?
Absolutely! For a spicier salsa, simply increase the amount of jalapeno. You can also add serrano or habanero peppers for even more heat. Start with just a little and increase to your desired spice level.
Enjoy Spicy Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp This Summer
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have these amazing grilled shrimp skewers on the dinner table in no time. The chipotle lime shrimp marinade packs a flavorful punch while the fresh pineapple salsa provides the perfect sweet, tangy finish. Grill these shrimp all summer long for easy, delicious meals!
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