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Citrus-Honey Grilled Shrimp Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

This vibrant Citrus-Honey Grilled Shrimp recipe features shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, honey, and spices, then grilled to perfection. The marinade imparts a tangy-sweet flavor that balances beautifully with the smoky char from the grill, making it an easy and delicious option for a quick weeknight meal or summer cookout.

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, plus wedges for serving
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Main

  • 1 1/2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine lime juice, honey, vegetable oil, minced garlic, ground white pepper, and salt in a bowl. Reserve half of the mixture for basting later.
  2. Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp into a resealable plastic bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp, ensuring all are evenly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes, but no longer to prevent over-marinating.
  3. Prepare the Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Alternatively, metal skewers can be used without soaking.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, aiming for around 350°F to 375°F.
  5. Skewer the Shrimp: Thread 3 to 4 shrimp onto each skewer, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
  6. Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then baste with the reserved citrus-honey mixture. Turn the shrimp and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
  7. Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers before grilling prevents them from catching fire, helping keep shrimp intact while cooking.
  • Wine can be used in place of water to soak skewers for added flavor.
  • Stainless steel or metal skewers are practical alternatives as they don’t require soaking and can be reused.
  • To get the most juice from limes, roll them firmly on the countertop or warm them in the microwave before juicing.
  • Recipe variations include using lemon or orange juice instead of lime, adding lime zest to the marinade, or substituting white pepper with crushed red pepper for heat.