Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

This dish features large shrimp marinated in a smoky chipotle and lime blend, then grilled to achieve a perfect char and tender texture. The shrimp are paired with fluffy cilantro lime rice, combining zesty lime juice and fresh cilantro to complement the smoky heat. Quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, it balances spice and freshness in every bite.

The marinade blends chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, honey, and spices creating a smoky-sweet profile that enhances the natural shrimp flavor. The rice is cooked tender with lime zest and juice for brightness, making it the perfect base. Ideal for a casual dinner or entertaining, this meal offers a colorful, well-rounded experience.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:45:00 GMT
Grilled Chipotle Lime Shrimp & Rice with vibrant cilantro-lime rice, a delicious, spicy dinner. Save to Pinterest
Grilled Chipotle Lime Shrimp & Rice with vibrant cilantro-lime rice, a delicious, spicy dinner. | velvetthyme.com

Succulent shrimp marinated in a smoky chipotle&lime sauce, perfectly grilled and served over fluffy cilantro&lime rice—a vibrant, zesty dish with a touch of heat.

I first made this recipe for a summer gathering when I wanted something light yet packed with flavor. The marinade fills the kitchen with an irresistible scent and the charred shrimp always impress.

Ingredients

  • Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and deveined
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp (divided)
  • Lime juice: 2 tbsp (about 1 lime, divided)
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Honey: 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp plus 1/2 tsp, divided
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Long grain white rice: 1 cup
  • Water or low&sodium chicken broth: 2 cups
  • Lime zest: Zest of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
  • Lime wedges: for garnish (optional)
  • Extra chopped cilantro: for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers, garlic, honey, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 30 minutes.
Prepare the Rice:
While shrimp marinates, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and stir for 1 2 minutes.
Cook the Rice:
Add water or broth and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in lime zest, juice, and cilantro.
Grill the Shrimp:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium&high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers.
Cook the Shrimp:
Grill shrimp for 2 3 minutes per side or until opaque and lightly charred.
Serve:
Serve grilled shrimp over cilantro lime rice. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired.
Smoky chipotle grilled shrimp served over fluffy rice, a complete meal full of zesty flavors. Save to Pinterest
Smoky chipotle grilled shrimp served over fluffy rice, a complete meal full of zesty flavors. | velvetthyme.com

This shrimp and rice combo became a family favorite—everyone rushes back for seconds, especially when served with extra lime on the side.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan with lid, grill or grill pan, skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes), knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp). All other ingredients are naturally gluten& and dairy&free, but always check packaged items for cross&contamination.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 340, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 27 g

Freshly grilled Chipotle Lime Shrimp & Rice with bright lime wedges offers a delightful zest. Save to Pinterest
Freshly grilled Chipotle Lime Shrimp & Rice with bright lime wedges offers a delightful zest. | velvetthyme.com

This dish is best enjoyed outdoors on a sunny evening. The zing of lime and smoky heat make every bite a celebration.

Recipe FAQs

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate the shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the chipotle lime flavors to penetrate without overwhelming the natural shrimp taste.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, brown rice or quinoa can be substituted for a nuttier flavor and added whole-grain nutrition.

What grill temperature is recommended?

Use medium-high heat to quickly sear the shrimp, ensuring a smoky char while keeping them tender inside.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Grill shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred; overcooking can make them tough.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

Grilled vegetables or a fresh avocado salad complement the smoky and zesty flavors nicely, adding texture and freshness.

Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp

Smoky chipotle lime shrimp grilled and paired with fluffy cilantro lime rice for a vibrant, zesty meal.

Prep time
20 min
Time for cooking
20 min
Total process time
40 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Mexican-Inspired

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details No dairy, Free from gluten

List of ingredients

Chipotle Lime Shrimp

01 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
05 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 1 teaspoon honey
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cilantro Lime Rice

01 1 cup long grain white rice
02 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 Zest of 1 lime
06 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
07 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Garnishes (optional)

01 Lime wedges
02 Additional chopped cilantro

How to make it

Step 01

Marinate Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare Rice: Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat, add rice, and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to toast lightly.

Step 03

Cook Rice: Add water or broth and salt to the saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

Step 04

Preheat Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 05

Skewer and Grill Shrimp: Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers. Grill shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.

Step 06

Assemble and Serve: Plate grilled shrimp over cilantro lime rice. Garnish with lime wedges and additional cilantro if desired.

Essential tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 340
  • Fat content: 9 g
  • Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein amount: 27 g