I made this cilantro lime shrimp for the first time last night, and wow! I can’t even explain how drool-worthy and delicious it was.
This mind-blowing dish took me less than 15 minutes to prepare—and no, that’s not a typo! It took me 15 minutes from start to finish.
The shrimp were tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. Seriously, I’ll be making this often. It was fan-freaking-tastic.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Quick & Easy: Do I need to repeat it? 15 MINUTES! My family may grow to hate this meal simply because it’s so convenient that I will probably make it WAY too often.
Minimal Ingredients: The recipe comes together quickly and uses few ingredients. You’ll need shrimp, lime, olive oil, and cilantro. Everything else comes off your spice rack.
Versatile Serving Options: These taste so good that they can be enjoyed by themselves. However, they’re also perfect for tacos, salads, rice bowls, and more.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Use high-quality fresh large (or even jumbo) shrimp. For convenience, get them peeled and deveined.
- Fresh Cilantro: Its bright, fresh, slightly citrusy flavor pairs perfectly with the garlicky shrimp. Chop it finely so that it isn’t too overpowering.
- Fresh Lime Juice: The key word here is fresh. For the best taste, squeeze it from a real lime. It adds a tart, acidic zing to the savory, umami flavors.
- Olive Oil and Butter: For sauteing the shrimp.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic and mince it finely. It’ll infuse the shrimp with its savory, earthy essence.
- Ground Cumin & Chili Powder: These warm, earthy spices have just a hint of heat.
- Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning.
- Lime Wedges: Serve these on the side of the finished product. Everyone can make their rice precisely as lime-y as they want.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Light, refreshing, and packed with protein, this is an ideal choice for those warm summer evenings or when you’re craving a taste of something special.
And like most shrimp recipes, it’s ready before you know it.
1. PREPARE SHRIMP. Pat them dry with paper towels. Then, season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. MIX SAUCE. Whisk the dressing ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
3. COOK SHRIMP. Sauté the shrimp for about 2 minutes, then add the butter and garlic, and cook the other side until they’re pink and opaque.
4. COMBINE. Add the dressing to the skillet, toss to coat, then serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cilantro Lime Shrimp
If you’re looking for a light, flavorful meal that will wake up your taste buds, you’ve got to try this cilantro lime shrimp recipe.
It’s become an instant favorite in my kitchen, and I have a feeling it will be in yours too!
Keep these tips in mind when preparing this recipe:
- Select appropriate shrimp. High-quality, fresh shrimp are best for this recipe. Select large, extra-large, or jumbo shrimp. You can substitute frozen if necessary. Just be sure you thaw them completely before starting the recipe.
- Roll the limes. Before cutting the limes, place them somewhere hard, flat, and clean. Press down gently with the palm of your hand and roll them back and forth. This will make them easier to juice.
- Don’t overcook. Shrimp only need about 2 minutes per side to cook. Cooking them longer than that will make them tough and rubbery.
- Adjust the seasonings. Add more or less seasonings and spices to suit your tastes. You can also add a bit of lime zest for a brighter, concentrated citrus flavor.
- Not a cilantro fan? You can substitute parsley or basil instead. But unless you have the “cilantro tastes yucky” gene, I recommend sticking to cilantro.
- Serve with sides. Add this shrimp to tacos, burritos, or rice bowls, salads, and more. Personally, I like to double down and serve it with cilantro lime rice.
How to Store
We all know shrimp tastes best fresh from the skillet. Still, it’s a shame to waste the leftovers, so here are some storage tips.
To Store: Let the shrimp cool. Then, transfer them to an airtight bag or container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
Note: Leftovers are best enjoyed cold as the reheating can make them tough.
More Shrimp Dinners You Have to Try
Red Lobster Coconut Shrimp
Shrimp and Spinach Pasta
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Coconut Shrimp Curry
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
4
10
minutes4
minutes215
kcalQuick and effortless, this zesty cilantro lime shrimp features succulent seafood bathed in a buttery blend of garlic, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime.
Ingredients
- Cilantro-Lime Dressing
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Shrimp
1 pound jumbo or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the chopped cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder. Set aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the butter and minced garlic, then flip the shrimp and swirl the pan to coat. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately add the cilantro-lime dressing. Toss until the shrimp is well coated. Serve hot with lime wedges and enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality, fresh large or jumbo shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp also work well if properly thawed before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to make the shrimp more or less spicy.
- The cilantro and lime add a bright, fresh flavor. It pairs perfectly with the garlicky shrimp. If you don’t like cilantro, though, you can substitute parsley or basil.
