Chipotle-Glazed Shrimp Kebabs with Orange and Cumin
Succulent shrimp kebabs feature a smoky-sweet chipotle glaze infused with fresh orange juice, cumin, and oregano. The homemade marinade combines charred chipotle chiles with brown sugar and citrus for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. These kebabs are ideal for summer grilling or weeknight dinners when you want bold Mexican-inspired flavors. The optional pineapple cubes add tropical sweetness that complements the smoky chipotle perfectly. Marinating for at least 2 hours ensures the shrimp absorb all the complex flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 2 whole chipotle chiles in adobosmoked paprika + cayenne1 tsp paprika + 1/4 tsp cayenneheat
reduces smokiness
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 orange, zest of
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- pineapple, cubes (canned or fresh)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat and cook onions until light golden
- 2
Add garlic and cumin and cook for 1 minute
- 3
Remove from heat and stir in water, vinegar, chilies and oregano
- 4
Pour mixture into blender or food processor and puree until smooth
- 5
Return mixture to skillet and heat over low heat
- 6
Stir in orange zest, orange juice and brown sugar
- 7
Cook until thickened then refrigerate for 20 minutes
- 8
Place shrimp in large plastic food storage bag with marinade and seal
- 9
Turn bag to coat shrimp and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
- 10
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using
- 11
Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat
- 12
Thread shrimp onto skewers alternating with pineapple if using
- 13
Discard marinade and grill kebabs for 2-3 minutes per side
- 14
Garnish with cilantro and serve
Tips
Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling
Don't overcook the shrimp - they're done when they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side
Reserve some fresh marinade before adding raw shrimp to use as a serving sauce
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked kebabs up to 2 days. Store leftover marinade separately for up to 3 days.
Marinate shrimp up to 8 hours ahead. Assemble kebabs up to 4 hours before grilling.
Serve immediately while hot with rice, tortillas, or grilled vegetables
Common Mistakes
Don't marinate shrimp longer than 8 hours to avoid mushy texture from acid
Discard used marinade to avoid cross-contamination with raw shrimp
Substitutions
reduces smokiness
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before marinating. Frozen shrimp may release more water during cooking.
How long do the kebabs keep in the refrigerator?
Cooked shrimp kebabs will keep for up to 2 days refrigerated. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this without a grill?
Yes, use a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or broiler. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.