Description
These Spicy Cranberry Shrimp Skewers are a delicious and vibrant appetizer or main dish featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty and tangy cranberry-based sauce with jalapeno, ginger, and lime. Grilled to perfection, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and freshness that will impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced (or 1 tsp dried ginger)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2-3 tbsp lime juice (about the juice from 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Shrimp and Serving
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Several skewers for grilling (soaked if using wood skewers)
- Additional 4 tbsp cranberry sauce (for brushing after grilling)
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a shallow dish, whisk together cranberry sauce, diced jalapeno, minced ginger, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, low sodium soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar until well combined to create a flavorful and tangy marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to let the shrimp absorb the vibrant flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: While the shrimp is marinating, preheat a grill pan on the stovetop or prepare an outdoor grill to medium-high heat to ensure an even and hot cooking surface.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp evenly onto soaked skewers, spacing them so they cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque and are fully cooked through, developing a slight char and smoky flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill and slide them off the skewers onto a serving plate. Brush the cooked shrimp with the remaining cranberry sauce for an added burst of flavor. Serve immediately topped with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- For best results, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Can be served as an appetizer or alongside a fresh salad or rice for a main dish.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor instead of bottled.
- If using whole berry cranberry sauce, lightly mash the berries for a smoother glaze after grilling.
