Spicy Chipotle Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Name: Spicy Chipotle Grilled Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 0.5 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; wooden or metal skewers

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

3 cloves garlic, minced
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro (Optional)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
teaspoon cracked black pepper
teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Wooden or metal skewers

Directions

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped chipotle peppers, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, fresh cilantro, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and stir until they are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
Remove the shrimp from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade. Carefully thread about 5 shrimp onto each skewer.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque in the center.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	150
Total Fat	4g (5% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	1g (4% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	230mg (77% Daily Value)
Sodium	607mg (26% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	4g (1% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	2g (6% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	0g
Protein	25g (50% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	18mg (20% Daily Value)
Calcium	63mg (5% Daily Value)
Iron	4mg (23% Daily Value)
Potassium	282mg (6% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Dish

The origins of chipotle-flavored dishes can be traced back to Mexico, where the word "chipotle" refers to a smoke-dried jalapeo pepper. These peppers have been used for centuries in Mexican cuisine to add both heat and a distinct smoky flavor to a variety of dishes. Grilled shrimp, a popular dish along the coasts of many countries, was combined with the bold and spicy chipotle pepper in the United States, creating a fusion of flavors that has become a favorite in many backyard cookouts and seafood menus.

Regional Variations

While the spicy chipotle grilled shrimp recipe as written is most often associated with American cuisine, particularly in regions with a strong Mexican influence like California and Texas, regional variations exist. In the Southwestern U.S., the use of chipotle peppers is common, and different variations of the marinade might include other regional spices such as cumin or oregano. In coastal Mexican areas, the shrimp might be served alongside fresh salsas or grilled vegetables, highlighting the natural flavors of the seafood.

How it Differs from Similar Dishes

This dish stands out from other shrimp recipes due to the use of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, which imparts a deep, smoky flavor with a kick of heat. Unlike traditional shrimp scampi or lemon-garlic shrimp, which focus on fresh citrus and garlic flavors, the spicy chipotle grilled shrimp has a bolder profile that combines the smokiness of the chipotle with the sharpness of lemon and the subtle heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes. Additionally, grilling the shrimp on skewers brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp while adding a bit of char, making it unique in texture and taste.

Common Places to Serve This Dish

Spicy chipotle grilled shrimp is often served at casual gatherings like barbecues, cookouts, and seafood festivals, especially in the warmer months. The dish is a popular choice at beachside restaurants, seafood shacks, and Tex-Mex eateries where grilled seafood is a menu staple. Its also a great addition to taco nights, seafood salads, or served on top of rice or in a wrap. The versatility of this dish makes it suitable for both formal and informal occasions, with the ability to be paired with a variety of sides such as cilantro lime rice, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Interesting Facts About Chipotle and Grilled Shrimp

Chipotle peppers are often smoked over wood for several days, giving them their distinctive smoky flavor. This process has been a traditional method of preserving peppers in Mexican culture for generations.
Grilling shrimp, especially when marinated, can lock in moisture and flavor, making the shrimp more tender and juicy. It's a popular method used worldwide, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean.
The combination of citrus (such as lemon) with seafood is a traditional pairing that dates back to ancient times when citrus was used to counteract the brininess of fish and shellfish.
In some regions, chipotle peppers are used not only to spice up meats but also to add flavor to salsas, soups, and even desserts. The versatility of the pepper makes it a beloved ingredient in many kitchens.

Conclusion

Spicy chipotle grilled shrimp is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the smoky heat of chipotle with the natural sweetness of shrimp. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its history and regional variations reflect the diverse ways in which food evolves, blending cultural influences to create something deliciously new.

FAQ about Spicy Chipotle Grilled Shrimp Recipe

After marinating the shrimp, it is recommended to either grill them immediately or refrigerate them for up to 2 hours. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the shrimp in the marinade for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and cooking. To thaw frozen shrimp, place them in a colander under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes.

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and marinate them ahead of time. In fact, the flavors will intensify if you marinate them for a longer period. You can marinate the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Just be sure not to exceed this time frame to prevent over-marinating, which can make the shrimp tough.

To make this recipe less spicy, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Additionally, using fewer chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or opting for a milder variety of chipotle can also help lower the heat.

This spicy chipotle grilled shrimp pairs wonderfully with sides such as cilantro lime rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it as a topping for tacos or make shrimp bowls with avocado and salsa for a complete meal.

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp for up to 1 month. Reheat them gently to avoid overcooking.

Yes, if you don't have access to a grill, you can cook the shrimp in a skillet or on a stovetop grill pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

Absolutely! You can use other seafood such as scallops or white fish fillets instead of shrimp. The marinade works well with many types of seafood, so feel free to experiment.

Comments

lateacher

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I made this recipe for the first time for a 4th of July last year. It was a winner and I made several batches becuse it became a regular request for the rest of the cookouts during tht e summer of 2010. I was looking for this again so I can use it today because of the beautiful weather here in Florida. Wonderful flavor and great reason to get together with friends and family. I use the recipe basically as is except for the marinating time. I always get shrimp when it is on sale. I purchase at least 10 lbs in two pound portions. When I get home I make the marinade x5 and place each portion of marinade in gallon zip lock freezer bags. I place the shrimp in the marinade and freeze making sure they are laying flat so they freeze into a flat sheet of goodness. When I know I will be needing one of these, I place it in the refrigerator to thaw. During the thawing process they merinade and I cut down on my prep time because I already did this ahead of time. Happy cooking and thanks for this delicious recipe.

just_jam

05/08/2016 04:47:24 PM

i don't know how fair of a review i can really make of this recipe as i substituted chipotle powder (1/2 tsp) and bottled lemon juice (1/4 cup) for the recipe (that i halved).. although the spice was there, there was no pop.. ~~UPDATE: after a bit of tweaking this turned into a 5 star dish.. i used the zest and juice of 4 small lemons, upped the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to 3, used 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, doubled the kosher salt, added about 1 tsp of cumin and left out the dried peppers and paprika.. cooked this on a our gas grill using our island grill stone.. this would totally work on chicken or pork as well.. glad i gave this another try

bhatnaa1

11/08/2016 06:17:37 PM

This was a big hit at a large family gathering. It's spicy and tangy and makes a great appetizer. I used 6 lbs of raw frozen shrimp from Costco and thawed them under cool water. I made the marinade in a blender and added a touch of cumin and doubled the amount of cilantro as well. I divided the marinade and thawed shrimp into 2 gallon ziplock bags and let it sit in the fridge for about an hour. Since skewering this much shrimp would take too long I just baked them in a single layer on a broiler sheet for 8 minutes on 380 as per another reviewers suggestion. They came out excellent and were devoured promptly!

Marilyn Henderson

06/08/2018 05:00:53 PM

Left out the cayenne and red pepper flakes as I felt that might be to hot for our family , Turned them into Shrimp tacos and added an avocado spread made w/ jar salsa, half and half mayo and sour cream w/ salt, pepper, garlic powder and lime juice. These were the best shrimp tacos I have ever had. We cooked the shrimp just one minute on the barbie and they were perfect. Hope this helps you and you and enjoy it as much as we did.

LALEE699

10/25/2016 12:44:50 AM

Ok, so I made this exactly to specifications...when it came to all the seasonings. I wanted to make it with a bit more sustenance si I used half the amount of shrimp, all the marinade and instead of cooking it in the grill, I dumped the whole bowl of marinade and shrimp into a pan. I sautéed it for a bit and then added heavy whipping cream to make a cream sauce out if it. Pouted it in some penny...and it made the best Cajun shrimp pasts ever!!

lmcirig

07/05/2011 11:33:18 AM

Made 6lbs as an appetizer a large party, served COLD. It was excellent & so much easier for a crowd because it was made the day before. Served with Amy's Cilantro dip. Everyone loved this, I even got calls the next day about it. EDIT: Per another reviewers advice I froze a portion of this to use another day. It did not taste the same. MUCH better fresh.

SWEETJAM

10/31/2010 07:20:30 AM

If you like shrimp and you like spicy chipotle you will LOVE this recipe. I had a bag of frozen shrimp and some chipotles that I had leftover and frozen from a previous recipe. This was easy to do and so tasty. Didn't change the recipe at all except for adding some extra chipotles because I didn't want to refreeze them. We chopped up the shrimp to use in tacos. I threw some more cilantro on top with chopped red onions then gave them a squeeze of lime juice- YUM! My husband loved this meal and asked for it again already. I'll have to cut back on the chipotles to make it kid friendly, but this one is a winner. Thanks for sharing.

chanana

11/09/2022 03:46:52 PM

I used all the ingredients provided in the recipe and, to me, it was between mild and hot. I actually added hot sauce at the end as I was expecting it to be spicier. I cooked the shrimp with all the marinade on the stove, then added some mixed vegetables when the shrimp were about half way done to make a sort of stir fry and that worked great.

Kookin' Kev

08/27/2019 12:11:09 AM

This was amazing the day of and the leftovers were just as amazing!!! We are on the Keto diet so this was perfect as I made cheddar tortillas for my wife and I used lettuce. We couple this with the Cilantro Jalapeño aioli and the combination was to die for!!

Melissa Luebbe

01/27/2021 01:53:36 AM

We used frozen cooked shrimp from the grocery store. We made the original ingredients as a marinade and then added the frozen shrimp in a gallon bag.and let the shrimp thaw for a couple of hours. Let it heat up for 20+ minutes at 250 degrees as we made the rest of the dinner. Delicious goodness in a sauce added to tacos.

easterngambler

03/15/2011 06:20:10 AM

Amazing recipe. I didn't have a grill nearby so I baked them at 425 for about 10 minutes. I also cooked some spanish rice along with and then served as burritos.

Amanda Hernandez

10/10/2024 04:22:19 PM

Turned out perfect the first time.

CozyScale1529

09/13/2024 05:56:31 PM

I made this last night! My husband and son love it! I was looking for something with high protein for my latest diet! Diet or no diet, I’ll make this again! It was delicious and really easy!

BriefTart4572

06/04/2022 09:03:53 PM

Smashingly good! Better than at an excellent restaurant! The chipotle + adobo was canned from Walmart, so it was quick, easy, and inexpensive. We ran out of skewers so put the extra shrimp in a foil "pan" on the BBQ. They were better than the skewered because they were emersed in the sauce until it evaporated. OMG spicy!

terencecampesq

12/13/2021 01:36:46 AM

Fantastic, for a spicy dinner. I went direct to cast iron high heat.

fromscratch

10/31/2021 07:59:44 PM

My family loves this! I leave out the cayenne and red pepper flakes as there is enough heat. We serve with grilled pineapple, peppers, zucchini, and cilantro lime rice.

jzimmer

07/31/2021 03:02:15 PM

Followed the recipe as written and it was good. Have it saved and will make again.

BakerBabe

05/31/2021 10:11:05 PM

I added pineapple juice and honey and omitted red pepper flakes and black pepper, and upped the cayenne and lemon juice. It made a wonderful sweet, sour, spicy that perfectly complemented the flavor of shrimp.

Kim

07/12/2020 05:43:37 AM

I will not be making this again. It was so spicy even after cutting back amounts on something’s. We love spicy food but no one eat it. I will try and add some other things to it to tame the heat.

Jennifer Barretta

05/15/2020 01:54:30 PM

These were delicious! Will definitely make again

audio version

Cook Time: 35 minutes