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Flavorful Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers Recipe with Easy Avocado Crema

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These shrimp skewers are marinated in a tangy cilantro lime mixture and served with a creamy avocado crema, perfect for quick, flavorful grilling. Ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings, they offer a fresh, bright, and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water to thin avocado crema, as needed (start with 1 tablespoon)
  • Bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp marinade by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  2. Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat fully, cover, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Do not marinate longer to avoid shrimp becoming rubbery.
  3. While shrimp marinates, make the avocado crema by blending avocado, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add water one tablespoon at a time if needed to reach drizzling consistency.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat until hot.
  5. Thread shrimp onto skewers, about 4-5 per skewer, leaving space between each shrimp.
  6. Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque with grill marks and slightly curled but still juicy.
  7. Serve immediately with a drizzle or dollop of avocado crema and garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Do not marinate shrimp longer than 20 minutes to avoid ‘cooking’ the shrimp with lime juice. Soak bamboo skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. If grill pan sticks, lightly oil it before cooking. Avocado crema can be thinned with water to desired consistency. Leftover shrimp and crema should be stored separately and consumed within 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp skewers, cilantro lime shrimp, avocado crema, grilled shrimp, quick dinner, easy recipe, summer grilling, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/flavorful-cilantro-lime-shrimp-skewers-recipe-with-easy-avocado-crema/