Pin Succulent shrimp marinated in a smoky chipotle–lime sauce, perfectly grilled and served over fluffy cilantro–lime rice. This vibrant, zesty dish offers a touch of heat and bursts with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, perfect for a lively dinner or summer cookout.
I remember making this meal for a weekend barbecue with friends–the combination of the charred shrimp and citrusy rice quickly became a summer staple. The preparation is so simple, and everyone loves customizing their bowls with fresh garnishes.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and deveined
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp for marinade and 1 tbsp for rice
- Lime juice: 2 tbsp (about 1 lime) for marinade, 2 tbsp (about 1 lime) for rice
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Honey: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp for shrimp, 1/2 tsp for rice
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Long grain white rice: 1 cup
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups
- Lime zest: Zest of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped for rice, plus extra for garnish
- Lime wedges: Optional, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes.
- Prepare the Rice:
- While the shrimp marinates, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and stir for 1–2 minutes.
- Cook the Rice:
- Add water or broth and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Thread and Grill Shrimp:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers. Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until opaque and lightly charred.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Serve grilled shrimp over cilantro lime rice. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired.
Pin We always gather around the grill as these shrimp cook–the aroma draws everyone in and the bright, herby rice makes it a family favorite meal on busy nights.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables, a fresh avocado salad, or toasted tortillas. You can also add sliced jalapeños for extra zest.
Swaps & Variations
Try brown rice or quinoa for a nutritious twist. Want more heat? Add an extra chipotle or a pinch of cayenne to your marinade to make the shrimp even spicier.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
This meal is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but contains shellfish (shrimp). Each serving has about 340 calories, 9g fat, 38g carbohydrates, and 27g protein.
Pin This chipotle lime shrimp and rice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this fresh, flavorful meal any night of the week!
Recipe Q&A
- → How long should the shrimp marinate for optimal flavor?
Marinate the shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the chipotle-lime sauce to infuse fully without overpowering the texture.
- → What type of rice works best for cilantro lime rice?
Long grain white rice is ideal as it cooks up fluffy and light, allowing the lime and cilantro flavors to shine.
- → Can I grill the shrimp without soaking skewers?
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- → How can I adjust the heat level in this dish?
Add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for increased spiciness.
- → Are there suitable substitutions for the rice in this dish?
You can substitute brown rice or quinoa as a whole grain alternative while maintaining the fresh lime and cilantro flavors.
