If you’re searching for a dish that embodies tropical flavors and easy preparation, look no further than grilled coconut lime shrimp. This delightful recipe not only offers a delightful blend of sweet and zesty notes but also captures the essence of a summer beach getaway. Imagine tender shrimp marinated in a luscious coconut and lime mixture, kissed by the grill, delivering a taste sensation that dances on your palate.
Beyond its vibrant flavor profile, grilled coconut lime shrimp is a versatile addition to any meal. Whether served as an appetizer at a backyard barbecue or as a main course alongside a fresh salad, this dish shines in various settings. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or entertaining friends.
Ingredients for Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp:
To prepare your Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp)
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil (for richness)
– Zest and juice of 2 limes (for vibrant flavor)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced (for depth)
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for balance)
– Salt and black pepper to taste (for seasoning)
– ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (toasted for added texture)
– Skewers (soaked wooden or metal)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
– ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
This vibrant dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will surely delight your taste buds. The coconut oil enhances the tropical notes, while the zesty lime and garlic elevate the dish further. For a complementary side, try pairing it with a refreshing creamy cucumber shrimp salad recipe. The lightness of the salad contrasts beautifully with the boldness of the grilled shrimp, making it a perfect meal for warm evenings. Enjoy the sunshine and great flavors with this simple yet delicious recipe!
How to Prepare :
Start by marinating the large shrimp in a mixture of coconut oil or olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, zested lime peel, and minced garlic. Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, and season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Allow the shrimp to absorb these vibrant flavors for at least 30 minutes.
While the shrimp marinates, toast some unsweetened shredded coconut in a skillet until golden brown; this will add great texture. Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, then sprinkle the toasted coconut over them for an added crunch. Grill the skewered shrimp over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Serve your Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. For an exciting twist, consider pairing this dish with Crunchy Cajun Shrimp, offering a memorable taste experience! Enjoy this tropical delight at your next gathering.
Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp Cooking Tips:
For a delightful experience with grilled coconut lime shrimp, start by marinating your shrimp for at least an hour in a flavorful mixture of coconut milk, lime juice, and zest. This tenderizes the shrimp and infuses them with bright flavors. When threading the shrimp onto skewers, soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning on the grill. Maintain medium heat while grilling; this ensures even cooking without overcooking the shrimp, which can become tough.
To enhance your meal, consider serving these shrimp with a refreshing side, such as a creamy cucumber shrimp salad recipe. This dish complements the tangy and sweet profiles of the shrimp beautifully. For further inspiration on grilling shrimp, check out this delicious Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp recipe. By mastering these tips, you’ll achieve succulent, mouthwatering shrimp every time!
Serving Suggestions:
Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp offers a delightful burst of tropical flavors, making it perfect for summer gatherings. Serve these succulent skewers with a side of coconut rice for a cohesive dish. The creaminess of the rice complements the tangy lime marinade beautifully. For a fresh contrast, consider whipping up a vibrant salad, like a Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad. This dish will enhance the flavors while adding crunch and nutrition to your meal.
Additionally, pairing the shrimp with grilled pineapple can elevate the tropical experience. The caramelized sweetness of the pineapple balances the shrimp’s zest, making each bite a celebration of flavors. Finally, for a more casual setting, serve them in tacos with crisp slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo. This combination will surely impress your family and friends. Whatever you choose, the Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp is bound to be the star of your meal.
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Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp: A Delicious Tropical Delight
- Total Time: 5 minute
Description
Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp brings together the sweet, nutty flavor of coconut with the tangy zest of lime, all balanced by the succulent shrimp. This dish is ideal for a quick and flavorful summer meal, whether you’re grilling on the patio or cooking inside on a stovetop grill pan. The coconut coating crisps beautifully as the shrimp cook, while the lime and garlic-infused marinade adds a burst of tropical freshness. It’s the perfect dish for a light, delicious dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next BBQ.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off, based on preference)
1/4 cup coconut milk (full-fat for richness)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
Start by preparing the shrimp. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels. This ensures that the marinade sticks properly to the shrimp. Once prepared, place the shrimp into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
Step 2: Making the Marinade
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup coconut milk, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Season the marinade with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pour the marinade over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This gives the shrimp enough time to soak in the flavors.
Step 3: Preheating the Grill
While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn down to a consistent medium heat. For a gas grill, set the burners to medium-high and let the grill warm up for 10 minutes.
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can also use a grill pan on the stovetop.
Step 4: Coating the Shrimp with Coconut
After the shrimp has marinated, remove them from the marinade and lightly shake off any excess liquid. Spread the 1/2 cup shredded coconut onto a plate. Gently press each shrimp into the shredded coconut, ensuring both sides are coated evenly. This will create a crispy exterior once grilled.
Step 5: Grilling the Shrimp
Place the coconut-coated shrimp onto the preheated grill, arranging them in a single layer. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. The coconut should crisp up and turn golden brown, adding a beautiful texture and flavor.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
Notes
Shrimp Size: Large shrimp are recommended for this recipe because they hold up well on the grill and offer a satisfying bite. If you use smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time slightly.
Coconut Coating: Ensure the coconut coating isn’t too thick. You want it to lightly coat the shrimp for a crisp, golden finish. Too much coconut can overpower the shrimp.
Marinating Time: While the shrimp can marinate for up to an hour, avoid marinating for longer, as the lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp, which can lead to a rubbery texture.
Storage: If you have leftover shrimp, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Customization: You can adjust the heat level of the shrimp by adding more or less red pepper flakes or by using a spicy chili sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical, Grilled
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (3-4 shrimp)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Storage Tips for Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp:
When it comes to storing Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp, proper handling ensures freshness and flavor. First, let the shrimp cool down completely to room temperature after grilling. Once cooled, transfer them into an airtight container. This prevents air exposure and keeps them delicious. For optimal preservation, refrigerate the shrimp within two hours of cooking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Additionally, if you want to keep these tropical flavors longer, consider freezing them. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently in the microwave or sauté them briefly in a pan. This method keeps their texture intact. For more shrimp inspiration, try out this Crunchy Cajun Shrimp Recipe for a delightful twist!
Nutritional Information for Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp:
Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving is rich in protein, low in calories, and packed with healthy fats from coconut. This dish provides essential vitamins and minerals while being gluten-free. For variation, try pairing it with crunchy Cajun shrimp for a spicy twist. Enjoy this vibrant seafood option guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What ingredients are needed for Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp?
To prepare delicious grilled coconut lime shrimp, you will need fresh shrimp, coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. These ingredients harmonize to create a tasty marinade that infuses the shrimp with tropical flavors. You might also consider garnishing with cilantro or serve alongside grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can be a convenient option. Just make sure to thaw them properly before marinating. This will help ensure that the Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp stays tender and flavorful.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinating shrimp for about 30 minutes to an hour provides sufficient time for the flavors to meld. It’s important not to exceed two hours to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy due to the acidity in the lime juice.
What’s the ideal grill temperature for cooking shrimp?
For perfectly grilled coconut lime shrimp, aim for a medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). This temperature allows for a quick sear, ensuring the shrimp cook evenly while retaining their juiciness.
Can I cook these shrimp on a stovetop?
Yes, if grilling isn’t an option, you can also sauté Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp in a pan. Use medium-high heat and a bit of oil, ensuring you cook them quickly to maintain their tenderness.
What side dishes pair well with coconut lime shrimp?
To complement the grilled shrimp, consider serving alongside tropical accompaniments like rice or a refreshing salad, such as a creamy cucumber shrimp salad. This not only enhances the meal’s freshness but adds a delightful twist to the dining experience.