Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Scampi

This chili lime grilled shrimp scampi is a quick and easy weeknight meal that's packed with flavor. The shrimp is marinated in a blend of garlic, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and cilantro, then grilled to perfection. The result is a juicy, flavorful shrimp that's perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or your favorite salad.

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that's typically made with shrimp, garlic, white wine, and butter. This recipe takes a slightly different approach, using a marinade of chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and cilantro to give the shrimp a more Southwestern flavor. The result is a dish that's both familiar and new, and sure to please everyone at the table.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 6 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine garlic, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and cilantro.
2. Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

Why It Works

• The marinade helps to tenderize the shrimp and infuses it with flavor.
• Grilling the shrimp gives it a slightly charred exterior and a juicy interior.
• The combination of chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and cilantro gives the shrimp a complex flavor that's both spicy and refreshing.