How This Grilled Honey Lime Shrimp Became a Summer Staple
When the warm weather hits, my grill barely gets a break. One of my all-time favorite things to cook outside is Grilled Honey Lime Shrimp sweet, tangy, and perfectly charred every time. I first made it on a lazy Sunday with a few limes, some honey, and shrimp I had thawed from the freezer. The smell that hit the air when those skewers hit the grill was pure bliss smoky, citrusy, and just a little caramelized.
Since then, this recipe has become a must in my summer rotation. It’s one of those grilled shrimp recipes that tastes restaurant-level but comes together in minutes. The marinade simple but punchy turns ordinary shrimp into something vibrant and bright, with flavors that work beautifully for seafood recipes and even grilled fish like grouper.
Why I Love Making This Shrimp Again and Again
This dish checks every box: it’s fast, healthy, and full of flavor. The honey caramelizes slightly on the grill, the lime adds zest and freshness, and the garlic gives it that savory edge I crave. It’s one of my favorite easy shrimp dinner recipes because the entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
It’s also versatile you can serve it over rice, toss it into tacos, or layer it with veggies for an easy weeknight bowl. And if you’re looking for something to impress guests, these shrimp skewers always steal the show at backyard cookouts.
For a complete spread, I love pairing them with my mini caprese skewers or creamy artichoke dip as light starters before firing up the grill.
Grilled Honey Lime Shrimp
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy and flavorful Grilled Honey Lime Shrimp with a sweet, tangy, and garlicky glaze. Perfect for summer barbecues, tacos, or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs large shrimp; 3 tbsp honey; juice and zest of 2 limes; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp chili flakes; salt and pepper to taste; optional: pineapple, peppers, red onion, sesame oil; lime wedges and cilantro for serving.
Instructions
1. Whisk together honey, lime, garlic, soy sauce, and oil. 2. Toss shrimp in marinade and rest 15–20 min. 3. Preheat grill to medium-high. 4. Thread shrimp on skewers and grill 2–3 min per side. 5. Garnish with lime and cilantro before serving.
Notes
Don’t over-marinate shrimp they cook fast. Add pineapple or veggies to the skewers for a full meal. Works well with grouper or salmon, too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 530
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 130
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What You’ll Need to Make It
For the Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on if you like)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Grilling and Serving
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
- Extra lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
- Pineapple chunks for a tropical twist
- Sliced bell peppers or red onion on the skewers
- A drizzle of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor
This simple shrimp marinade for grill gives the seafood just the right balance of sweetness, tang, and umami, creating a glossy, golden glaze once grilled.
How I Make My Grilled Honey Lime Shrimp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, I whisk together honey, lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and seasonings. The aroma alone is enough to make my mouth water. I add the shrimp and toss until they’re evenly coated, then let them marinate for 15–20 minutes. Longer isn’t necessary shrimp soak up flavor quickly!
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
While the shrimp marinate, I preheat my grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. You want those hot grates to create the perfect sear without overcooking the shrimp.
Step 3: Skewer and Grill
I thread the shrimp onto skewers and place them directly on the grill. They cook fast just 2–3 minutes per side until pink, slightly charred, and caramelized around the edges.
Step 4: Serve It Up
Once off the grill, I squeeze a little extra lime over the shrimp and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. The citrus brightens everything and balances the honey glaze beautifully.
These are incredible served over coconut rice or a simple salad, but they’re just as good on their own.
Fun Ways to Change It Up
- Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli: Toss grilled shrimp with roasted broccoli and sliced sausage for a quick weeknight meal.
- Asian Shrimp Recipes Twist: Add a touch of ginger and a splash of sesame oil to lean into those bold flavors.
- Shrimp Tacos: Pile the shrimp into tortillas with cabbage slaw and avocado crema.
- Surf and Turf: Grill your shrimp alongside chicken or steak for a combo dinner.
- Grilled Fish Option: Use the same marinade on grouper or salmon it’s one of my go-to fish recipes for summer.
And if you’re serving this as part of a bigger spread, it pairs beautifully with prosciutto pasta or sheet pan chicken teriyaki and veggies for a flavor-packed menu.
A Little Backyard Magic
There’s something about this grilled shrimp recipe that always feels like summer bright lime, golden honey, a bit of smoke in the air. It’s one of my all-time favorite easy shrimp recipes because it brings people together with almost no effort.
If you try it, let me know how you served it tacos, salad, skewers, or rice bowls all work beautifully. And for more sunny-season inspiration, check out my lemon truffles blondies for a sweet finish or southwest baked chicken tenderloins for another savory grill-friendly dinner.
