These Grilled Lime Cilantro Shrimp are perfectly tender, juicy, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor! Marinated in tangy lime and cilantro, they’re delicious straight off the grill, tossed into salads, or dipped into my creamy avocado ranch.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lime Cilantro Shrimp Skewers

• Tender succulent jumbo shrimp
• Marinated in a zesty lime cilantro dressing
• Grilled to perfection
• Serve with avocado ranch sauce for dipping
• Easy to make and family friendly

There’s something about shrimp on the grill that just feels like summer, and this Grilled Lime Cilantro Shrimp is the recipe I keep coming back to. Jumbo shrimp soak up a tangy marinade made with fresh lime juice, garlic, and chopped cilantro, then hit the grill for that perfect char. Insanely juicy and full of flavor, they disappear fast every time I make them.

One of the best parts is that these shrimp are super easy to prep, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner. I love serving them with avocado ranch for dipping, but they’re just as good over salad or with some lime cilantro rice. However you serve them, this is one of those shrimp recipes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.

If you love shrimp with a zesty kick, be sure to check out my Chili Lime Shrimp and my Shrimp Ceviche.

🛒 Ingredients for Lime Cilantro Shrimp

• Shrimp
• Smoked paprika 
• Ground cumin
• Garlic
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime
• Cayenne pepper
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Optional: Avocado Lime Cilantro Ranch Dressing for dipping

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Measuring cup or bowl
• Whisk
• Skewers
• Serving platter

🔪 How to Make Grilled Lime Cilantro Shrimp

Add all the ingredients except the shrimp and dipping sauce to a measuring cup or bowl.

Whisk until well combined.

Add your shrimp in a food storage bag.

If you’re using bamboo skewers you’ll want to be sure and soak them in water to prevent burning while they’re on the grill.

Pour the marinade over the shrimp.

Seal up the bag and let marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Add the shrimp to your skewers.

Place the shrimp on the grill for a few minutes on each side. They cook fast so watch them closely as to not burn them.

.Garnish the shrimp with fresh cilantro and wedges of lime.

For added flavor you don’t want to miss, you can serve them with a side of this Avocado Lime Cilantro Ranch Dressing for dipping!

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store leftovers cilantro shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the best and freshest texture, I do not recommend freezing them.

🍴 What to Serve with Lime Cilantro Shrimp Skewers

There are many low carb sides to serve with grilled shrimp. Here are some that are sure to please the whole family.

• Lime Cilantro Cauliflower Rice
• Lime Cilantro Broccoli Slaw.  
• Easy Cole Slaw
• Baked Artichoke Hearts

💡 Tips for Making the Perfect Low Carb Shrimp Skewers

• Look for fresh, domestic, wild-caught shrimp when available.
• If you have to buy frozen, look at the ingredients. It should just say, “shrimp and water.”
• For grilling, jumbo shrimp are my personal favorite. But, you can use large. Just make sure you use at least a 16-20 count shrimp. This means there’re 16-20 shrimp per pound.
• Make sure to buy shrimp with the tails on for this recipe.
• To make this recipe in a jiffy, select shrimp that have already been split down the spine. This makes peeling so much easier.
• Don’t be afraid to ask to touch and smell the shrimp at your grocery store or fish market. You want to avoid shrimp with a strong “shrimpy,” or ammonia-like smell or those with a slimy or soft texture.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Paprika: Swap smoked paprika with regular paprika if you prefer a milder flavor.

• Honey: Add a touch of honey to the marinade for a slightly sweet twist.

• Spice: For a spicier kick, double the cayenne or add crushed red pepper flakes.

• Veggies: Toss grilled shrimp with sautéed zucchini, broccoli or cauliflower florets and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick meal.

• Cauliflower rice: Serve over lime cauliflower rice for a low carb main course.

• Other dipping sauces: Try bacon ranch or chipotle aioli for a new flavor.

• Tacos: Turn them into shrimp tacos with slaw, avocado, and homemade keto tortillas.

Are There Carbs in Shrimp?

Shrimp are very low in carbs. In fact, there’s approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates in 6 ounces of cooked shrimp!

Are Shrimp Keto Friendly?

Absolutely! Not only are shrimp very low carb and low calorie, they’re packed with nutrition. The amount of protein in shrimp is very impressive, making up over 70% of their calories. They’re a good source of selenium, B12 and iron. If you’d like to read more about the nutrition in shrimp, check out this article.

How Do I Know When the Shrimp are Done?

They’ll turn pink and opaque with a slight char on the outside. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch closely.

Can I Cook These Shrimp in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook shrimp in a single layer for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Why Did My Shrimp Stick to the Grill?

Make sure your grill is well-oiled and fully preheated over medium heat before adding shrimp. This helps prevent sticking.

Can I Make This Lime Shrimp Recipe Ahead of Time?

You can marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes ahead and store them in the fridge. Don’t leave them too long or they’ll get mushy.

🍽️ More Keto Shrimp Recipes

• Shrimp alla Vodka
• Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
• Keto Shrimp Scampi with Cauliflower Rice
• Bang Bang Shrimp
• Spicy Shrimp in Lettuce Wraps
• Keto Fried Shrimp

*Originally published on June 15, 2019, updated on April 29, 2025 with improvements to the recipe, new photos, new recipe information and helpful tips.