Tender shrimp in a zesty lime cilantro marinade, grilled to perfection and served with a creamy avocado dipping sauce!
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I'm so excited summer is here and it's officially grilling time! I've been working on all sorts of marinades and grilled recipes lately.
This Keto Shrimp recipe is one of my favorites and it's sure to become yours too!
Grilling shrimp is super easy and perfect if you want something that cooks up quickly. They're literally done in about 5 minutes, which is great for last minute dinners!
I marinate these large shrimp in a lime cilantro marinade that has garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika and a little kick of heat from cayenne pepper. I skewer and grill them up, then serve with my Avocado Lime Cilantro Ranch Dressing as a dipping sauce.
Lime Cilantro is one of my very favorite flavor combinations and I use it in my dishes a lot! If you don't care for shrimp, you can use this same marinade with chicken. I would marinate chicken for at least 1-2 hours.
What's in Lime Cilantro Shrimp Skewers
- Large shrimp
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime
- Cayenne pepper
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Optional: Avocado Lime Cilantro Ranch Dressing for dipping
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Make Grilled Lime Cilantro Shrimp
First, you'll make the marinade. Add all the ingredients except the shrimp and dipping sauce to a bowl and whisk until well combined.
Pour your shrimp into the mixture and allow to marinade for 20-30 minutes.
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.
But, if you're like me, I simply love low carb kabobs on the grill so having metal skewers like these ensures I always have them on hand.
Time to get the skewers loaded! Remove the shrimp from the marinade and add them to the skewers. I typically get about 6 large shrimp on each one.
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.
As soon as they turn pink, they're done, take them off!
.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!
This low carb sauce has the perfect combination of flavors for grilled shrimp or chicken. It is so good, you can even make a double batch. Keep the leftovers in a container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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.
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.
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
Keto Sides 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.
Shop my favorite products on Amazon and check out my Keto Pantry List!
Grilled Lime Cilantro Shrimp Skewers
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, raw, peeled, deveined with tails on
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- juice and zest of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Optional: Avocado Lime Cilantro Ranch Dressing for dipping
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add all the ingredients except the shrimp and dipping sauce to a mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.Pour over the shrimp in a food storage container or baggie and allow to marinate for 20-30 minutes.If you are using wooden/bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them in water prior to grilling.
- Add the shrimp to your skewers and grill for a few minutes on each side. As soon as they turn pink, they are done, take them off!The last thing you want is to overcook your shrimp.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and wedges of lime. Serve along side Lime Cilantro Cauliflower Rice or my Lime Cilantro Broccoli Slaw. You can even serve over a salad with my Avocado Lime Cilantro Ranch Dressing!
RECIPE NOTES
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Jenna
I don't have a grill, can these be broiled or baked?
Keto Cooking Christian
Sure, just a few minutes in the oven should do it!
Juan
Excellent recipe! My new go-to shrimp recipe. 😁
Keto Cooking Christian
Awesome, glad you liked it!