If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and a bit of a kick, you’re going to absolutely adore this Spicy Cranberry Shrimp Skewers Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that surprise you with how perfectly the tartness of cranberries plays with the savory heat from jalapenos and ginger, all complementing tender grilled shrimp. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a go-to for everything from casual weeknights to holiday gatherings — the balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy is fan-freaking-tastic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The cranberry’s tart sweetness perfectly offsets the spicy jalapeno heat and zesty lime, creating an unforgettable taste combo.
- Easy Prep, Big Impact: You toss together a simple marinade and grill the shrimp quickly, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it on skewers at a barbecue or adding it to a festive spread, people can’t get enough of these skewers.
- Healthy and Light: Low in fat and packed with protein, these shrimp skewers are a nutritious choice that satisfy without weighing you down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Spicy Cranberry Shrimp Skewers Recipe are easy to find, yet they bring together something unique: sweet cranberry meets fresh lime and bold aromatics for an irresistible glaze. Using fresh ginger and lime juice makes all the difference in brightness, so I always recommend using fresh whenever possible.
- Cranberry sauce: Either jellied or whole berry works; I like whole berry for added texture.
- Jalapeno: Seeded and diced to control the heat – you can keep seeds if you want it extra spicy!
- Ginger: Freshly peeled and minced adds a vibrant zing; dried ginger is a convenient substitute.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic really uplifts the marinade with a rich savory note.
- Lime zest and juice: The zest adds essential oils and fragrance, while fresh juice provides bright acidity.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Balances the tartness with umami without overloading saltiness.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds depth and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with cranberry.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy grilling and eating; fresh or thawed works best.
- Skewers: Wooden skewers soaked in water prevent burning on the grill; metal skewers are awesome for convenience.
- Lime wedges: For serving—adds a fresh burst of flavor with each bite.
Variations
One of the best things about this Spicy Cranberry Shrimp Skewers Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak it depending on the season or what’s in my pantry, and you should definitely make it your own.
- Milder Version: When my family wants less heat, I skip the jalapeno or use just half, which softens the spice but keeps all the flavor.
- Adding Herbs: Tossing in fresh cilantro or parsley before grilling lifts the dish with a fresh herbal note.
- Alternative Proteins: I’ve swapped shrimp for scallops or even firm tofu for a different take, and it works like a charm.
- Sweet Twist: Adding a teaspoon of honey to the marinade boosts sweetness, perfect for those who love a hint of extra sugar.
How to Make Spicy Cranberry Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Create Your Bold Marinade
Start by whisking together the cranberry sauce, diced jalapeno, minced ginger and garlic, lime zest and juice, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar in a shallow dish. This marinade is where all those vibrant flavors meld together—don’t rush it! I usually whisk for a minute until everything comes together nicely. Then toss in your shrimp, coating them thoroughly, and cover the dish. Pop it in the fridge to marinate for 1 to 2 hours. Trust me, this rest time is key to get those flavors deep into the shrimp.
Step 2: Get Grilling
Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or a grill pan on your stovetop, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to avoid any burning drama. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers—don’t pack them too tight, or they won’t cook evenly. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side; shrimp cook super fast so keep a close eye. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, with nice grill marks. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery, so timing is everything here.
Step 3: Finish with a Cranberry Glaze
Once off the grill, brush the skewers with the reserved 4 tablespoons of cranberry sauce for a shiny, tangy glaze. This finishing touch is what makes the flavor pop even more. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side—squeezing lime juice just before eating really wakes up those flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Cranberry Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Don’t Skip Marinating: I’ve found that marinating the shrimp for at least an hour makes a massive difference in flavor depth—don’t rush this step.
- Control the Heat: If you want just a hint of spice, use half a jalapeno or remove all the seeds, which is where most of the heat lurks.
- Timing is Everything: Shrimp cook quickly—grill just until they turn opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
- Avoid Overcrowding Skewers: Leave a little gap between shrimp so heat circulates evenly and you get perfect grill marks.
How to Serve Spicy Cranberry Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing these skewers with extra lime wedges, which everyone can squeeze over for a bright zing just before digging in. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little finely chopped cilantro or green onions on top for freshness and color. If you want to get fancy, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds adds a nice nutty crunch that’s surprisingly good here!
Side Dishes
For sides, I like to keep things light and summery: a crisp cucumber salad or avocado salsa pairs beautifully. Rice pilaf or quinoa tossed with fresh herbs works well if you want something a little heartier. On taco night, these skewers are a fun protein addition alongside warm corn tortillas and slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve served these skewers over a bed of mixed greens or alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a festive holiday spread. For parties, I like arranging them on a wooden board with small bowls of cranberry sauce and lime wedges—guests love grabbing a skewer and customizing their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend removing the shrimp from the skewers to save space and to reheat evenly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen marinated shrimp on skewers before, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to a month, but I find the texture is best if cooked fresh. If freezing raw shrimp, I recommend cooking immediately after thawing for best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F, just until warmed through—shrimp can get rubbery if overheated. Avoid microwaving if you can, though it’s fine in a pinch.
FAQs
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Can I make the Spicy Cranberry Shrimp Skewers Recipe without an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan on your stovetop works beautifully. Just preheat it well and cook the shrimp as directed for perfectly grilled marks and flavor without needing an outdoor grill.
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What type of cranberry sauce works best?
You can use either jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce. I prefer whole berry because it adds a nice texture and bursts of cranberry flavor, but jellied also creates a smooth glaze that’s easy to coat the shrimp.
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How spicy are these shrimp skewers?
The level of spice depends on how much jalapeno you use and whether you include the seeds. Without seeds, the heat is mild to medium, making it approachable for most palates, but you can crank up the heat to suit your taste.
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Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Yes! Marinate the shrimp and thread them onto skewers a few hours ahead. Just wait to grill them until right before serving to keep them tender and fresh.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Spicy Cranberry Shrimp Skewers Recipe turns out every time I make it. It’s got that perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy that feels fresh and exciting, yet it’s so easy to put together. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how a simple cranberry sauce could transform grilled shrimp into something so memorable. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, I hope you’ll have as much fun making and sharing this dish as I do. Go ahead, grab those skewers and get grilling—you’re in for a treat!
Print
Spicy Cranberry Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Spicy Cranberry Shrimp is a vibrant and zesty dish featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a tangy blend of cranberry sauce, jalapeno, ginger, garlic, lime, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Perfectly grilled to lock in flavors, these shrimp skewers offer the perfect balance of spicy and tart, making them ideal for holiday appetizers or lively weeknight meals like Taco Tuesday.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 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 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
For Serving
- Extra lime wedges
Other
- Several skewers for grilling (soaked if using wood skewers)
- Additional 4 tbsp. cranberry sauce for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, diced jalapeno, minced ginger, garlic cloves, lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar until fully combined.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the shrimp to absorb the spicy, tangy flavors.
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill pan on the stovetop or an outdoor grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to sear the shrimp quickly.
- Skewer the shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked skewers, evenly distributing them for uniform cooking.
- Grill the shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill, slide them off the skewers, and brush with the remaining 4 tbsp. of cranberry sauce. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Spicy cranberry shrimp offer a delightful balance of heat and tartness, making them an excellent choice for holiday appetizers or to add a flavorful kick to Taco Tuesday.
- Soaking wooden skewers before grilling prevents them from burning and adds stability when handling the shrimp.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno to control the spiciness to your preference.
- The recipe works well with outdoor grills as well as stovetop grill pans for convenience.
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
