Keto Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers Recipe
A zesty, quick-grilling keto-friendly dish perfect for summer entertaining.
Key Info:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories: 185 per serving
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 24g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Difficulty: Easy
- Tags: Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free
Equipment Needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Skewers (metal or wooden)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Alternative: Indoor griddle or cast-iron skillet works great too!
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (680g)
- ¼ cup olive oil (60ml)
- 2-3 limes (juice and zest)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
Method:
-
- Combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Add shrimp to marinade, toss well to coat.
*Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes.*
-
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 20 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C).
-
- Thread shrimp onto skewers, discarding marinade.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Crucial Tips:
- Never marinate shrimp over 30 minutes – the acid will start “cooking” them.
- Look for the C-shape when grilling – if they curl too tight, they’re overcooked.
- Pat shrimp dry before skewering for better char.
- Leave small spaces between shrimp on skewers for even cooking.
Storage & Scaling:
- Best served immediately.
- Stores in fridge for up to 2 days.
- Double recipe easily for larger groups.
- Reheat gently to avoid toughening.
Variations:
- Add chunks of keto-friendly vegetables between shrimp.
- Serve over cauliflower rice.
- Make spicy by doubling cayenne.
- Create a butter sauce with marinade ingredients for dipping.
By keeping this recipe simple and focusing on fresh ingredients, you’ll get perfectly cooked, flavorful shrimp every time. Remember: the key to juicy shrimp is not overcooking them – they’ll continue cooking slightly after removing from heat.
