Cilantro lime shrimp is a light, fresh, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. With zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and a hint of garlic, this dish is bursting with bright and tangy flavors. It’s quick to make, versatile, and pairs well with rice, tacos, or salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Fresh & Flavorful – The combination of lime, garlic, and cilantro creates a refreshing taste.
- Healthy – Low in carbs, high in protein, and perfect for a balanced meal.
- Versatile – Great for tacos, rice bowls, salads, or even as an appetizer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil or butter
- Fresh lime juice and zest
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
- Marinate the Shrimp – In a bowl, toss the shrimp with lime juice, lime zest, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat the Pan – In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Shrimp – Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
- Add Cilantro – Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro.
- Serve – Enjoy immediately with rice, in tacos, or as a salad topping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 12-15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp – Skewer the shrimp and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Creamy Version – Stir in a little coconut milk or sour cream for a creamy sauce.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp – Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze – Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp.
FAQs
How do I know when shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp turns pink and opaque when fully cooked, usually in 4-5 minutes.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely before cooking.
What’s the best type of shrimp for this recipe?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for even cooking and better texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can marinate the shrimp in the fridge for up to 30 minutes before cooking.
What can I serve with cilantro lime shrimp?
Rice, quinoa, tacos, salads, or roasted vegetables all pair well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Just use olive oil instead of butter.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes.
How can I make this dish more citrusy?
Add a little extra lime zest or squeeze fresh lime over the shrimp before serving.
What’s the best way to chop cilantro?
Use a sharp knife and chop the leaves finely, avoiding large stems.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
Cilantro lime shrimp is a quick, fresh, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. With bright citrus flavors, a hint of garlic, and tender shrimp, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with rice, in tacos, or on a salad for an easy and satisfying meal. Try it today!
PrintCilantro Lime Shrimp
This Cilantro Lime Shrimp is zesty, garlicky, and packed with fresh flavors! Juicy shrimp are quickly sautéed in a citrusy, buttery sauce—perfect for tacos, rice bowls, salads, or a quick low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican, Latin-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a smoky kick)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of 2 limes (~¼ cup)
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
-
Sauté the Shrimp:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Make the Lime Butter Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low, then add butter, lime juice, and zest to the skillet.
- Stir for 30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro and red pepper flakes (if using).
-
Enjoy!
- Serve immediately over rice, pasta, tacos, or salad.
Notes
- Want a smoky twist? Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Make it creamy by stirring in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end.
- Great for meal prep! Store in the fridge for 3 days and reheat gently.