Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe: Fresh Seafood Magic!

Sizzling shrimp dance with zesty lime and fragrant cilantro in this vibrant cilantro lime shrimp recipe that promises to electrify your taste buds.

The combination of bright citrus and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering melody of flavors.

Tender shrimp absorb the tangy marinade, turning each bite into a culinary celebration.

This quick and easy dish brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen in mere minutes.

Bold spices and fresh ingredients transform a simple protein into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll love how effortlessly these succulent shrimp come together, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prepare to be amazed by this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Good Tips For Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Fresh Shrimp Tip: Always select fresh, deveined shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp with a mild ocean smell and firm, translucent appearance.
• Quick Cooking Trick: Don't overcook shrimp – they turn rubbery quickly. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 2-3 minutes total.
• Zesty Flavor Boost: For extra tang, add an extra splash of fresh lime juice right before serving to brighten the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice for a lighter, keto-friendly meal that keeps all the original recipe's delicious flavors.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – use less for mild taste or add more if you love a spicy kick. Alternatively, swap chili powder with smoked paprika for a different flavor dimension.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Needed Ingredients For Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Shrimp: Wild-caught or responsibly farmed shrimp ensure better flavor and texture, with large or jumbo sizes delivering the most satisfying bite.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices evenly and prevents shrimp from sticking to the pan.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic undertones that complement seafood perfectly.
• Chili Powder: Adds gentle warmth and beautiful reddish color to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Creates subtle, spicy background notes.

• Butter: Creates silky, luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to shrimp.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Brings bright, citrusy freshness that cuts through richness.
• Cilantro: Adds vibrant, herbaceous element with incredible aroma.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for those loving extra heat.

What Tools You Need For Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing shrimp and creating sauce, ensuring even cooking and flavor development.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients and chopping cilantro.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife needed for precise chopping of cilantro and zesting lime.
• Paper Towels: Used to pat shrimp dry, ensuring better searing and browning.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing shrimp with oil and seasonings before cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir ingredients and scrape browned bits from skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurate seasoning and sauce preparation.
• Zester or Grater: Helps extract lime zest for adding bright citrus flavor to the dish.

Steps To Cook Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Clean and Season Shrimp

Grab some paper towels and gently dry each shrimp. Sprinkle them with olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, creating a zesty coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Sizzle Shrimp to Perfection

Fire up a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the seasoned shrimp and cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous pink and look wonderfully opaque. Scoop them out and set aside.

• Craft Tangy Lime Butter Sauce

Lower the heat and melt butter into the pan. Splash in fresh lime juice and sprinkle lime zest, stirring quickly to capture all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.

• Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp to the pan, gently tossing them in the luxurious sauce. Pull the skillet off the heat and shower the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavor explosion!

How To Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Tropical Taco Night: Wrap the zesty shrimp in warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh salsa and extra cilantro for a vibrant Mexican-inspired meal.
• Refreshing Salad Topper: Serve the shrimp chilled over a crisp mixed green salad, drizzling the remaining lime butter sauce as a light, tangy dressing.
• Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange the shrimp on a beautiful platter with toothpicks, garnished with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for an impressive party starter that guests will love.
• Quick Protein Bowl: Combine the shrimp with quinoa, black beans, and diced avocado for a nutritious and satisfying one-bowl meal packed with flavor and protein.

Storage Pointers For Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Quick Refrigeration Tactic: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Freezing Strategy: Package leftover shrimp in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain tenderness.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm shrimp slowly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil. Avoid microwave cooking, which can quickly toughen the delicate seafood texture.
• Smart Leftover Transformation: Repurpose cold shrimp into salads, wraps, or quick pasta dishes. Chilled shrimp can add protein and zesty flavor to numerous quick lunch or dinner options without additional cooking.

Vibrant Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty cilantro lime shrimp promises a flavor explosion of Mexican coastal cuisine. Quick marination and precise grilling create a mouthwatering dish you will savor with fresh herbs and tangy citrus notes.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 grams) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for a smoky kick)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Juice of 2 limes (~¼ cup or 60 milliliters)
• ½ tsp lime zest
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels, eliminating all excess moisture to ensure optimal searing and flavor absorption.
2. Seasoning: Massage shrimp with olive oil, garlic, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, creating a robust flavor foundation that will enhance the seafood’s natural sweetness.
3. Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until scorching hot, then strategically arrange shrimp in a single layer to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
4. Cooking: Sauté shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side, watching for a vibrant pink hue and translucent texture that signals ideal doneness, then transfer to a warm plate.
5. Sauce Creation: Reduce skillet heat to low, introducing butter, lime juice, and lime zest while continuously stirring to develop a luxurious citrus-infused sauce, simultaneously deglazing the pan and capturing concentrated flavor remnants.
6. Finishing: Reunite shrimp with the velvety sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating, then garnish with fresh cilantro and optional red pepper flakes for a final flavor burst.
7. Serving: Plate immediately, allowing the aromatic herbs and zesty sauce to captivate the palate with their vibrant, fresh essence.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking: Watch shrimp closely and cook only 2 minutes per side to avoid rubbery texture, ensuring they remain tender and succulent.
• Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Remove excess moisture from shrimp using paper towels, which helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevents steaming.
• High Heat is Key: Use a hot skillet set to medium-high temperature to create a quick, crispy exterior while maintaining the shrimp’s delicate internal texture.
• Balance Citrus Intensity: Adjust lime juice quantity to personal taste, starting with less and adding gradually to control the tangy flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg