Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Honey-Lime Marinade

Grilling season is one of the best times to enjoy simple, bright meals, and these grilled shrimp skewers are a perfect example. They come together quickly with a honey-lime marinade that balances sweet, tangy and a touch of heat. Cooked for only a few minutes on a hot grill, the shrimp stay tender and pair beautifully with fresh summer vegetables or tacos.

I usually buy frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp in bulk — they’re convenient and reliable. For this recipe I remove the tails since these are intended as an entrée rather than handheld bites. If you prefer leaving tails on for presentation, that works too, but I find tails unnecessary for plated shrimp skewers.

The method is simple: mix honey, fresh lime juice and zest, garlic, cayenne and a bit of minced jalapeño (or chipotle in adobo for a smokier note). Toss the shrimp in the marinade for 10–15 minutes, skewer them, brush with melted butter and grill for about four to five minutes total. The result is bright, slightly spicy and perfect for warm-weather meals.

Why this recipe works

• Quick prep and cook time—ready in about 30 minutes total.
• Honey and lime create a balanced glaze that caramelizes slightly on the grill.
• Optional jalapeño or chipotle adds a pleasant kick without overpowering the shrimp.
• Versatile: serve as a main course, over a salad, or in tacos.

These skewers pair nicely with grilled corn salad, rice, or a crisp green salad. They also make tasty, easy tacos—simply warm tortillas, add shrimp, top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp on the grill with a quick honey-lime marinade. Serves 4.

Ingredients

• 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp, tails removed (about 32)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon finely minced grilled jalapeño, or canned chipotles in adobo
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped for serving
• 4 wooden skewers (soaked in water)

Instructions

1. Soak wooden skewers in water while you prepare the shrimp.
2. In a medium bowl combine honey, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, cayenne, jalapeño and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
3. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Let sit 10–15 minutes. (The lime juice will slightly cure the shrimp; that’s okay.)
4. Preheat grill to medium-high. Thread about 8 shrimp onto each skewer.
5. Lightly brush shrimp with melted butter. Grill skewers 2–3 minutes on the first side, then turn and grill another 2 minutes. Total cooking time on a hot grill should be about 4–5 minutes—avoid overcooking.
6. Remove from grill, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

These shrimp are excellent with seasonal vegetables and are especially good used as taco filling. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne or swapping jalapeño for canned chipotle for smoky heat.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 182 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 198 mg

Enjoy the final days of summer and give these grilled shrimp skewers a try—simple to make and full of flavor.

Best, Kelly