Pin it Succulent shrimp marinated in a smoky chipotle-lime sauce, perfectly grilled and served over fluffy cilantro-lime rice a vibrant, zesty dish with a touch of heat.
I first tried chipotle lime shrimp on a summer evening. The combination of tangy lime and smoky chipotle instantly became a favorite variation for family cookouts, and the cilantro rice brings everything together into a satisfying, easy meal.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for quicker prep
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps marinade stick
- Lime juice (2 tbsp): Fresh and tangy flavor, about 1 lime
- Chipotle peppers in adobo (1 tbsp): Finely chopped for smoky heat
- Garlic cloves (2): Minced
- Honey (1 tsp): Adds mellow sweetness
- Ground cumin (1/2 tsp): Warm, earthy notes
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Enhances smoky flavor
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances taste
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Mild heat
- Long grain white rice (1 cup): Base for the dish
- Water or chicken broth (2 cups): Cooking liquid for rice
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For rice
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Season rice
- Lime zest (zest of 1 lime): Brightens rice
- Lime juice (2 tbsp): Zesty touch for rice
- Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup): Chopped for herbaceous flavor
- Lime wedges (optional): For garnish
- Extra chopped cilantro (optional): For garnish
Instructions
- Marinate shrimp:
- Whisk olive oil, lime juice, chipotle, garlic, honey, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add shrimp and toss. Cover & refrigerate 15–30 minutes.
- Prepare rice:
- Rinse rice until water runs clear. In saucepan, heat olive oil on medium. Add rice, stir 1–2 minutes.
- Cook rice:
- Add water or broth & salt. Bring to boil, cover, simmer 15 minutes until tender & liquid absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with fork, stir in lime zest, juice, cilantro.
- Grill shrimp:
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Thread shrimp onto skewers. Grill 2–3 minutes per side until opaque & lightly charred.
- Serve:
- Lay grilled shrimp over cilantro lime rice. Garnish with lime wedges & cilantro if desired.
Pin it When we gather around the grill, shrimp skewers are always the first to disappear everyone loves the bright flavors. Kids like building their own skewers, and adding extra cilantro on their rice is a fun way to get them involved.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan with lid, grill or grill pan, skewers, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish. Gluten-free and dairy-free, but always check packaging for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 27 g
Pin it This chipotle lime shrimp & rice makes any weeknight feel like a celebration just add fresh lime and cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should the shrimp be marinated?
Marinate the shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the smoky chipotle and lime flavors to infuse fully without overpowering the delicate seafood.
- → What type of rice is best for this dish?
Long grain white rice works well as it becomes fluffy and holds the lime and cilantro flavors beautifully without becoming sticky.
- → Can I substitute the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
Yes, you can use chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor, but the chipotle in adobo gives the best depth and slight heat.
- → What grilling method is recommended?
Grilling the shrimp on medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side helps achieve a light char while keeping them juicy and tender.
- → Are there alternatives to white rice for this recipe?
Brown rice or quinoa can be used as healthier whole grain options, though cooking times may vary.