Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, tropical twist on seafood night, this Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp recipe is an absolute must-try. The shrimp soak up a luscious blend of creamy coconut milk and zesty lime, creating a perfect harmony of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that burst with each bite. Charred just right on the grill, these shrimp are juicy and tender with a hint of smokiness, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether a casual weeknight or a festive gathering with friends and family.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a simple yet flavor-packed marinade that elevates the shrimp beautifully. Each component adds its own magic—coconut milk brings creaminess, lime juice gives a refreshing zing, and the touch of honey balances everything with gentle sweetness.

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, ready to soak up all the delicious marinade.
• 1/2 cup coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a hint of tropical richness that makes the shrimp irresistible.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice: Brings vibrant acidity to brighten the flavors instantly.
• 1 tablespoon lime zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and freshness for that extra pop.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a savory depth and aromatic punch to balance the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar: Gives the marinade a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the shrimp perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in marinating and prevents the shrimp from sticking to the grill.
• Skewers (wooden or metal): Perfect for easy grilling—remember to soak wooden ones to prevent burning.
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish: Offers a fresh herbal note that complements the coconut and lime beautifully.

How to Make Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

Start by whisking together the coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. This marinade is the heart of the dish, infusing the shrimp with that signature Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp flavor—rich, tangy, and just a touch sweet.

Step 2: Marinate the shrimp

Add your shrimp to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is coated in that luscious mixture. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring each bite is bursting with that tropical goodness.

Step 3: Preheat the grill

While the shrimp marinates, heat your grill to medium-high. If you’re indoors, a grill pan works wonders to give just the right sear. Preparing the grill properly will help you achieve those distinct grill marks and the perfect smoky char.

Step 4: Skewer the shrimp

Thread the shrimp onto your skewers, spacing them a bit so the heat circulates nicely. Skewers are a great trick for grilling shrimp evenly and making them super easy to flip.

Step 5: Grill the shrimp

Place the skewered shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want them to turn pink, become opaque, and develop just a slight char without overcooking—because tender shrimp are the secret to maximum flavor. Keep a close eye, as shrimp cook quickly!

Step 6: Serve immediately

Remove the shrimp from the grill, sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro, and serve right away for the best taste and texture. This is when your Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp shines in all its juicy, flavorful glory.

How to Serve Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro is the classic choice here, adding a vibrant green color and fresh herbal aroma that pairs perfectly with the coconut and lime notes. You could also add thinly sliced red chili for a subtle heat or a few lime wedges on the side to squeeze extra zing over the top just before eating.

Side Dishes

Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides. Think fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to echo the coconut flavor, a crisp garden salad for freshness, or grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to keep the grill theme going. Even a cold mango salsa or pineapple relish could add a sweet, juicy contrast that rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try serving your Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp over a bed of mixed greens or coconut-infused quinoa for a vibrant presentation. You could also make seafood tacos with warm tortillas, a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce, and the grilled shrimp nestled inside—topping off with pickled onions and fresh cilantro for a fiesta of flavors. The versatility here is amazing and allows you to get playful with presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp—which is rare!—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days without losing too much flavor or texture, perfect for a quick lunch or salad topper.

Freezing

While you can freeze shrimp, it’s best to do so before grilling. Marinate the raw shrimp, then freeze them spread in a single layer on a baking tray before transferring to a freezer bag. When you want to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then grill fresh. Freezing already grilled shrimp can make them rubbery, so fresh grilling produces the best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftover grilled shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a microwave for short bursts to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water or lime juice helps retain moisture. Remember, shrimp cook fast and can dry out quickly, so warm just until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work beautifully; just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid diluting the marinade.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries at all. A grill pan or even a hot cast-iron skillet works just fine and will still give you fantastic results with those lovely char marks.

Can I make the marinade spicier?

Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or finely chopped fresh chili to the marinade for a spicy kick that complements the coconut and lime flavors brilliantly.

Is it okay to skip the honey?

You can skip the honey if you prefer, but it really helps balance the acidity of the lime and rounds out the flavor. Using brown sugar or maple syrup works as a great alternative.

How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are well cleaned and brushed with oil before heating, and coat the shrimp lightly with olive oil as in the recipe. Also, avoid moving them too early so they develop a natural release from the grill.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for seafood nights. The bright lime, creamy coconut, and just-charred shrimp come together in a dish that feels exotic yet entirely accessible. It’s perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to something special. So fire up your grill, gather these simple ingredients, and enjoy every flavorful bite of this tropical delight!