Description
Spicy Cranberry Shrimp combines the sweet and tart flavors of cranberry sauce with a kick of jalapeno and zesty lime, creating a vibrant marinade that infuses shrimp with bold, festive flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or a unique addition to Taco Tuesday, these grilled shrimp skewers are quick to cook and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/2 cup plus 4 tbsp. 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 juice of 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Main
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Several skewers for grilling (soaked if using wood skewers)
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, diced jalapeno, minced ginger, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar until well combined to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, making sure each shrimp is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the shrimp to absorb the spicy and tart flavors fully.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill pan on your stovetop or prepare an outdoor grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to sear the shrimp quickly without drying them out.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, spacing them slightly apart for even cooking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the skewers and brush with the remaining 4 tbsp. of cranberry sauce for an added burst of flavor. Serve immediately alongside extra lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Spicy cranberry shrimp offer a perfect balance of heat and tartness, ideal for holiday appetizers or adding a unique twist to Taco Tuesday meals.
- For wood skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your preferred spice level or substitute with a milder pepper.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for parties or gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 188 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 396 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.05 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 214 mg
