Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Delight

Zesty cilantro lime shrimp dance across your plate with vibrant, tropical flavors that wake up dinner.

Summer evenings call for quick, fresh meals that sparkle with bright ingredients.

Small skillet magic happens when succulent shrimp meet tangy citrus and herb notes.

These little protein gems cook faster than most protein options, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Mexican and Caribbean coastal influences shine through each perfectly seasoned bite.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques blend seamlessly with bold, punchy seasonings in this simple seafood delight.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress everyone at the table with an effortless, mouthwatering creation.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Flavor Swaps To Try

• Spicy Coconut Cilantro Shrimp: Replace butter with coconut milk, add a tablespoon of red curry paste for extra heat, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Swap chili powder with dried oregano and thyme, use lemon instead of lime, and finish with crumbled feta cheese.
• Cajun Cilantro Shrimp Skewers: Increase chili powder to create a bold Cajun seasoning, thread shrimp on wooden skewers before grilling, and serve with a creamy remoulade sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Lime Shrimp: Add minced ginger to the initial seasoning, splash in soy sauce with the lime butter, and sprinkle green onions on top for a fresh, zingy profile.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp FAQ Section

• Why do I need to pat the shrimp dry before cooking?

Patting shrimp dry helps them get a beautiful golden sear and prevents steaming. Moisture on the surface can make shrimp soggy and prevent that delicious caramelization.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. Make sure to drain excess water to ensure a perfect sear and crispy texture.

• How spicy will this dish be?

The recipe has a mild kick from chili powder and optional red pepper flakes. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for a milder version.

• What if I don't have fresh cilantro?

Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with parsley or skip it altogether. The lime butter sauce will still be delicious.

Why Cilantro Lime Shrimp Is Bright And Zesty

• Blast Through Dinner: This cilantro lime shrimp recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: From start to finish, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous dinners or when hunger strikes suddenly.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: The recipe offers flexible heat levels by allowing optional red pepper flakes, so everyone from mild-loving to spice-craving eaters can enjoy their perfect version of this zesty dish.
• Protein-Packed Delight: Shrimp provides a lean protein source that's low in calories but high in nutritional value, making this recipe a smart choice for health-conscious food lovers who don't want to compromise on taste.

What You Need For Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Shrimp: Sweet seafood with delicate texture, perfect for quick cooking and absorbing flavors. Wild-caught or farm-raised work well.

• Garlic, Chili Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spice blend for enhancing shrimp's natural taste. Fresh garlic provides more robust flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers. Adjust amount based on personal preference.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and prevents sticking. Extra virgin olive oil offers richer taste.
• Butter: Creates silky, rich sauce with depth of flavor. Unsalted butter gives better control of saltiness.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Bright, citrusy notes that tenderize and complement seafood. Fresh limes provide most intense flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds vibrant, herbaceous finish. Adds color and traditional Mexican-inspired taste.

How To Cook Cilantro Lime Shrimp Perfectly

Step 1: Prep the Seafood Stars

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss the shrimp until they’re perfectly coated with the spicy mixture.

Step 2: Sizzle and Transform

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the shrimp into the hot pan. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink color and look completely opaque. Gently transfer the cooked shrimp to a holding plate.

Step 3: Craft the Tangy Sauce

• Butter
• Fresh lime juice
• Lime zest

Swirl the ingredients around the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently rolling them through the bright, buttery sauce. Sprinkle in freshly chopped cilantro and optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Give everything a final toss to ensure each shrimp is gloriously coated.

Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Tips For Flavorful Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Dry Shrimp Perfectly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior and preventing steaming during cooking.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or fiery.
• Maximize Lime Flavor: Zest the lime before juicing to capture maximum citrusy essence, adding brightness and depth to the sauce.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Cook shrimp for exactly 2 minutes per side to prevent overcooking, maintaining tender and juicy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil or dairy-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, keeping the recipe versatile and inclusive.

Best Way To Store Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Refrigerate leftover cilantro lime shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store the dish for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, keeping the shrimp tender and flavorful.
• Cover the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the delicate texture.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of lime juice to refresh the flavors.
• Avoid microwaving, as this can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.
• Freeze the shrimp only if absolutely necessary, as seafood tends to lose its delicate texture when frozen and thawed.
• For best quality, consume the dish immediately after preparation to enjoy its vibrant taste and perfect texture.

What Matches With Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Enhance the bright, citrusy flavors of cilantro lime shrimp with a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, refreshing wines complement the dish's tangy lime and herb notes perfectly.
• Create a Tropical Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and a splash of triple sec. The cocktail's citrus profile mirrors the shrimp's vibrant flavors, creating a delightful coastal dining experience.
• Serve with Fresh Cilantro Rice: Prepare a simple white rice infused with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. This side dish echoes the main recipe's herbal and citrus elements, providing a harmonious base for the shrimp.
• Add Crunchy Cucumber Salad: Whip up a light cucumber salad with red onion, dressed in a lime vinaigrette. The cool, crisp texture and tangy dressing perfectly balance the warm, spicy shrimp.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty cilantro lime shrimp delivers a Mexican-inspired coastal explosion of fresh flavors and quick-cooking seafood magic. Succulent jumbo shrimp shine with tangy citrus and herbal notes, promising a delightful meal packed with bright, bold character that promises to satisfy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a smoky kick)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Juice of 2 limes (~¼ cup or 60 milliliters)
• ½ teaspoon lime zest
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry the shrimp using paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
2. Create a flavorful marinade by gently coating the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to become hot and evenly heated.
4. Carefully place the seasoned shrimp into the skillet, arranging them in a single layer to promote even cooking.
5. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes on each side, watching for a beautiful pink color and translucent appearance that indicates perfect doneness.
6. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate, keeping them warm and ready for the next step.
7. Reduce the skillet’s heat to low, creating a gentle environment for the sauce.
8. Introduce velvety butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, and aromatic lime zest to the pan, stirring continuously.
9. Deglaze the skillet by scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom, incorporating them into the developing sauce.
10. Return the perfectly cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece is luxuriously coated with the citrusy butter sauce.
11. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and optional red pepper flakes over the shrimp, adding a final burst of color and flavor.
12. Remove from heat and serve immediately, allowing the vibrant aromatics to tantalize the senses.

Notes

• Pat the shrimp completely dry to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming, which helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Use fresh lime zest and juice for a vibrant, bright flavor that elevates the entire dish, creating a zesty and refreshing taste profile.
• Adjust the heat level by controlling red pepper flakes, making this recipe friendly for those who prefer mild or spicier seafood dishes.
• Serve immediately after coating shrimp in sauce to maintain optimal texture and prevent overcooking, preserving the shrimp’s tender, juicy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg