Spicy Grilled Shrimp

If you're looking for a quick, flavor-packed meal, these Spicy Grilled Shrimp are a total winner. We make this recipe all the time because it's so easy to throw together, and the flavors are out of this world! The shrimp are marinated in a tangy chipotle lime sauce with just the right amount of smoky heat from the chipotle peppers.

It's great for meal prep or a last-minute dinner when you're short on time. Plus, it cooks up in about 10 minutes on the grill, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without the fuss.

We love serving it with creamy coleslaw, lime crema, or mango salsa for a refreshing contrast to the heat. Every time I make it, the whole family goes wild for the smoky, spicy kick. It's the perfect way to jazz up a weeknight dinner!

Want more smoky shrimp recipes? Try these Garlic Grilled Shrimp or Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos!

Grilled Shrimp in 10 Minutes with 5 Ingredients!

There are so many reasons why we're obsessed with this grilled shrimp recipe, but here are a few of the top reasons:

• Best five-ingredient marinade: The chipotle-lime marinade is smoky, spicy, and tangy, and it uses only five pantry ingredients!
• Speedy: This recipe is a dinner lifesaver! The shrimp cook in just a few minutes, so it's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty but don't have a lot of time.
• Versatile: These spicy grilled shrimp are as versatile as they are delicious! They're great in tacos, rice bowls, or just on their own with a side of crunchy slaw or fruit salsa.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's everything you need to make the best grilled shrimp:

• Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Fresh or frozen works. Just be sure to thaw the shrimp properly before using it.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo: These smoky, spicy chipotle peppers add a deep, rich heat to the marinade. If you don't have chipotle peppers in adobo, you can substitute them with Mexican Huichol salsa, smoked paprika, or a bit of cayenne pepper for heat. For the smoky flavor, you can also try liquid smoke or barbecue sauce.
• Mayonnaise: You can also use Greek yogurt if you're looking for a slightly lighter option with a tangier twist.
• Lime juice: For the best taste, always use fresh limes instead of bottled juice. If you don't have lime juice, you can swap this with lemon juice.
• Garlic powder: If you don't have garlic powder, you can use minced fresh garlic for a stronger garlic punch. Just be careful since it can burn on the grill. 

Can I make the marinade a little sweeter?

Yes! Feel free to add a little honey to the marinade for a bit of sweetness.

How to Peel and Devein Shrimp

Here's a quick guide on how to peel and devein shrimp before cooking them on the grill:

• Peeling Shrimp: To peel shrimp, start by holding the body firmly and pulling off the shell from the tail to the head. You can either leave the tail on for presentation or remove it completely.
• Deveining Shrimp: To devein, make a shallow slit along the back of the shrimp with a small knife. You'll see a dark vein. This is the digestive tract. Gently pull it out with your fingers or the tip of the knife.

How to Make Chipotle-Lime Grilled Shrimp

Once the shrimp are marinated, you can have freshly grilled shrimp on your dinner table in less than 10 minutes!

Step One: Prepare the Marinade

Whisk together the chipotle peppers, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful, spicy marinade for the shrimp. Taste the marinade to adjust the heat and if it feels to spicy, add some extra mayo or a touch of honey, brown sugar, or agave.

Step Two: Marinate the Shrimp

Toss shrimp in the marinade and let them sit for about 15-30 minutes to soak in all the flavors. 

Pro tip: Unlike chicken or steak, shrimp shouldn't marinate for longer than 30 minutes, or it can become mushy!

Step Three: Preheat the Grill

Get your grill or grill pan ready by heating it to medium-high heat. This is what ensures that the shrimp sears and gets that golden brown crust. It should sizzle when it touches the grill. 

Step Four: Grill the Shrimp

Grill the shrimp on each side until they're opaque and fully cooked through. Shrimp cooks quickly! As soon as it starts to curl and naturally release from the grill in 2-3 minutes, it's ready to flip. Serve with Lime Crema! 

What kind of grill can I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use any grill you have on hand, whether it's a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a grill pan on your stovetop. Make sure it's preheated to a medium-high temperature to get a nice sear on the shrimp. If you prefer, you can also use a griddle pan for that grilled texture without a full outdoor grill.

Alternative Cooking Methods

• Stovetop: You can cook the shrimp in a hot skillet or griddle pan with a little oil. Just cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they're opaque.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and roast the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 6-8 minutes, or until they're cooked through.

How do I keep the shrimp from sticking to the grill?

To prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill, make sure your grill is preheated and lightly oiled. You can also use a grill basket or skewers to make flipping and grilling easier. Make sure to oil the grill grates as well before placing the shrimp on them.

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp

These grilled shrimp are super versatile and go with so many sides! Here are some of our favorites:

• In bowls: Add the grilled shrimp to a grain bowl with some fluffy cilantro lime quinoa or rice. Top with fresh avocado, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite salsa or a drizzle of creamy dressing for a quick, delicious meal.
• In tacos: Place the shrimp in soft tortillas, then top with a refreshing mango salsa, crunchy cabbage, and a sprinkle of cilantro for the ultimate handheld bite. Perfect for taco night!
• On salads: Toss the shrimp on a bed of fresh greens with some sliced cucumber, tomato, and a tangy lime vinaigrette. It's light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
• With mac and cheese: Serve the shrimp alongside a creamy, indulgent mac and cheese. The creamy cheese and smoky shrimp are a match made in heaven, adding richness and spice to your plate.
• With corn on the cob: Pair the shrimp with some grilled corn on the cob for that sweet and smoky combo. You can even add a little butter and lime to the corn for an extra flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• With coleslaw: A classic! Serve the grilled shrimp with a side of creamy coleslaw to balance the spice and add that cool, crunchy texture. For a Mexican-inspired twist, try creamy Mexican coleslaw!
• With mango salsa: For a zesty twist, try a mango and black beans salsa. The sweetness of the mango mixed with the creamy black beans adds a tropical vibe that pairs perfectly with the smoky shrimp.
• With corn salsa: Brighten up your plate with a tangy, fresh corn salsa. The sweet corn, lime, and cilantro will add just the right pop of freshness to the grilled shrimp.
• With cabbage and corn slaw: Combine the crispness of cabbage with the sweetness of corn for a crunchy, vibrant slaw that perfectly balances the heat from the shrimp. A great side for any summer BBQ!

Storing and Reheating Shrimp

Keep your shrimp fresh and reheat them when you're ready to eat!

• Storing: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure the shrimp has cooled before refrigerating.
• Reheating: Reheat the shrimp gently on a skillet over low heat for just a couple of minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but be cautious not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Leftover ideas:

• Shrimp tacos: Use leftovers to make quick and delicious shrimp tacos with a squeeze of lime and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
• Shrimp salad: Toss leftover shrimp into a salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrusy vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch the next day.