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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels, eliminating all excess moisture to ensure optimal searing and flavor absorption.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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