Spicy Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa

These flavor-packed grilled shrimp skewers are coated in a smoky, spicy chipotle lime marinade then served with a fresh mango salsa. The shrimp soak up all the big, bold flavors while grilling until perfectly charred. Cooling mango salsa provides the perfect contrasting note of sweetness. Easy to throw together and grill, this 30-minute meal is ideal for summertime. The skewers also make great appetizers for your next backyard party. One bite will have you hooked!

Ingredients

To make 4 servings, you will need:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 mango, diced small
• 1⁄4 cup diced red onion
• 1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Putting these flavor-packed skewers together is simple:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime zest and juice, soy sauce, garlic, honey and chipotle pepper. Add shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate 15-30 minutes.
2. In another bowl, combine mango, red onion, cilantro, and salt and pepper. Mix and set aside.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing once near the tail and once near the head.
4. Grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Handle gently.
5. Serve shrimp skewers warm with mango salsa spooned over the top. Enjoy!

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Quality ingredients ensure maximum flavor:

Shrimp

• Select fresh, raw large shrimp with shells removed.
• Choose sustainably sourced wild shrimp if available.
• Avoid pre-cooked or frozen shrimp.
• Pat dry well before skewing for best char.

Produce

• Pick ripe, sweet mangos with red skin.
• Bright red onions and cilantro.
• Limes should feel heavy for their size.

Seasonings

• Chipotle in adobo adds smoky heat.
• Soy sauce provides umami depth.
• Garlic, lime, and honey balance the flavors.

Quality ingredients let the shrimp shine through.

Marinating the Shrimp

A flavorful marinade is key. Be sure to:

• Whisk ingredients together to emulsify.
• Add shrimp to coat thoroughly in marinade.
• Let sit 15-30 minutes to penetrate shrimp.
• Don't marinate much longer or shrimp may get mushy.
• Discard excess marinade after.

The marinade firms up the shrimp's texture while infusing big, bold flavor.

Grilling the Shrimp Skewers

To grill shrimp perfectly:

• Use metal or soaked wooden skewers.
• Grill over direct medium-high heat.
• Cook 2-3 minutes per side.
• Turn carefully to prevent sticking.
• Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
• Shrimp is done when opaque and charred.

The hot grill caramelizes the shrimp without drying them out.

Making the Mango Salsa

For the fresh, vibrant salsa:

• Small dice the mango, onion, cilantro.
• Toss gently together with seasoning.
• Let flavors meld 10 minutes before serving.
• Add lime juice and salt to brighten.
• Keep in fridge until ready to serve.
• Pineapple, peach also work instead of mango.

The light, fruity salsa balances the spicy shrimp perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve shrimp skewers with:

• Lime wedges for squeezing.
• Warmed corn tortillas.
• Salsa, guacamole, or condiments.
• Rice, beans, or taco salad.
• Grilled corn on the cob.
• Queso fresco, feta, or cotija cheese.

The possibilities are endless for turning these into tacos, bowls, salads, and more!

Storage and Leftovers

To store leftovers:

• Refrigerate shrimp and salsa separately.
• Shrimp keeps 2-3 days, salsa 3-4 days.
• Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Stir salsa to redistribute juices before serving.
• Use extra shrimp in salads, rice bowls, tacos.

Properly stored, these components retain their quality for several days.

Nutrition Facts

These shrimp skewers offer:

• Protein from shrimp to support muscles.
• Vitamin C, vitamin A from fresh mango salsa.
• Heart-healthy fats from olive oil.
• Iron, selenium, B12 from shrimp.
• Anti-inflammatory benefits from spices.

Pair with veggies or salad for a balanced, nourishing meal.

Conclusion

These spicy chipotle lime shrimp skewers deliver big, bold flavor in just 30 minutes. A smoky, tangy marinade firms up the tender shrimp while infusing them with Mexican-inspired zest. Grilling caramelizes the outside while keeping the inside moist and juicy. Served atop fresh, vibrant mango salsa, they offer sweetness to balance the heat. Easy to throw together for weeknights or backyard parties, these skewers will be a hit any night of the week.

5 Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Shrimp

1. What is the best way to grill shrimp?

Grilling shrimp on skewers over direct medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side gives the best char without drying them out.

2. What seasoning goes well with grilled shrimp?

Garlic, lime, chili powder, cilantro, smoked paprika, and cayenne all complement shrimp well.

3. How do you prevent grilled shrimp from sticking?

Use metal skewers, coat with oil, and don't move them around too much while cooking to prevent sticking.

4. What are good sides for grilled shrimp?

Rice, beans, guacamole, grilled veggies or corn, salad, and queso fresco pair deliciously with grilled shrimp.

5. How long does cooked shrimp last refrigerated?

Refrigerate grilled shrimp within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3-4 days for food safety and quality.