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Flavorful Firecracker Shrimp Skewers Recipe with Easy Cilantro Lime Butter

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A bold, spicy, and tangy grilled shrimp skewer recipe featuring a firecracker marinade and a cooling cilantro lime butter, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder (mild if preferred)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Toss the shrimp in the marinade until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes (do not marinate longer than 30 minutes).
  4. While the shrimp marinates, mix softened butter, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside at room temperature.
  5. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  6. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp.
  7. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
  8. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until shrimp turn opaque and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape.
  9. In the last minute of grilling, brush the shrimp generously with the cilantro lime butter so it melts over the glaze.
  10. Remove from heat and serve immediately with extra cilantro lime butter on the side.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before marinating to ensure good sear. Marinate for about 20 minutes for best flavor and texture. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning or steaming. Baste with cilantro lime butter at the end to keep fresh flavor. If no grill is available, broil or pan-sear as alternatives. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based spread or coconut oil. Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: firecracker shrimp, shrimp skewers, grilled shrimp, cilantro lime butter, spicy shrimp, quick dinner, seafood recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/flavorful-firecracker-shrimp-skewers-recipe-with-easy-cilantro-lime-butter/