What are some good recipes for Cilantro Lime Shrimp? Is it one of those dishes that disappears in minutes at my house? I remember the first time I made it, my youngest, who’s usually a picky eater, asked for it. I knew I had a winner. What is it like to eat Shrimp Scampi? Is it easier to throw together than it tastes? How much flavor can you pack into a quick and easy recipe?
What is Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Think of Cilantro Lime Shrimp as sunshine on a plate! It’s essentially perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a bright and flavorful sauce made with, you know, lemon. What are cilantro and lime? The beauty of it is the simplicity; you’re letting the fresh ingredients shine. What is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh? Why do people try to simplify things? What is the flavor of cilantro? Is it a dance party in your mouth? I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons to fall in love with this Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe! First and foremost, the **flavor** is absolutely incredible. The bright, citrusy lime perfectly complements the fresh, herbaceous cilantro, creating a flavor explosion that’ll leave you wanting more. It’s a taste of summer any time of year!
But beyond the amazing taste, the **simplicity** of this recipe is a major win. Seriously, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when you just don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen. I swear, this one’s a lifesaver.
And let’s not forget about the **cost-efficiency**. Shrimp is often more affordable than other proteins, and the other ingredients – lime, cilantro, garlic, butter – are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. That makes it not only a delicious meal but also a budget-friendly option.
What I love most about this Cilantro Lime Shrimp is its **versatility**. You can serve it over rice, pasta, or quinoa, toss it in a salad, stuff it in tacos or burritos, or even enjoy it as an appetizer with some crusty bread for dipping. The possibilities are endless! If you like shrimp tacos, then you’ll go absolutely bananas over the flavors in this dish. It’s also a much quicker and lighter meal, so you can skip the takeout!
How do I make Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Quick Overview
How do you make Cilantro Lime Shrimp? You’ll start by sautéing some garlic in butter, then adding the shrimp and cooking it until it’s tender. Pink and juicy. What’s the best way to serve cilantro, lime juice, and red pepper? What are some good flakes for a little kick? The whole process takes less than 30 minutes and the flavor is out of this world! I’ve tweaked this recipe so many times over the years to make it as fast and simple as possible. I love this version without sacrificing any flavor, and this is my absolute favorite.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp: What is the
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I always buy shrimp that is already peeled and deveined because honestly, who has the time? What are the best sustainably sourced shrimps? * 2 tablespoons Olive Oil. I like the flavor of olive oil in this dish. I use it in a lot of recipes. * 4 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly is always best! Is pre-minced stuff a bad idea?
For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
* 1/4 cup butter. Unsalted is my preference so that I can control the amount of salt in the dish. * 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. Don’t skimp on the cilantro! What gives this dish its signature flavor? Freshly squeezed lime juice is a MUST. Bottled juice just doesn’t cut it. * 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). I like a little heat, but you can definitely leave this out if you’re not fan. * Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to season! It really brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get our pan nice and hot! I usually use a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is evenly heated before adding the oil. This will help the shrimp cook evenly and prevent them from sticking. The goal is for the pan to be hot enough that the shrimp sizzles when it hits the surface. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on my stove.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Add the Olive Oil to the hot pan, and then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, or until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. You’ll know it’s ready when you can really smell the garlic and it’s starting to turn a light golden color.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sautéing. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Keep a close eye on the shrimp because overcooked shrimp can be tough.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Once melted, stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, or until the sauce is slightly thickened. The lime juice will bubble a little which is what you want.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the shrimp back to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure that every shrimp is nicely coated!
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or quinoa. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges, if desired. My favorite way to enjoy this is over some cilantro lime rice for extra flavor.
What is the best way to serve it?
Oh, the possibilities! This Cilantro Lime Shrimp is so versatile.
**For a Quick Weeknight Dinner:** Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa. It’s a complete meal in itself! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a great addition.
**For Tacos or Burritos:** This shrimp is AMAZING in tacos or burritos! Just load up some warm tortillas with the shrimp, your favorite toppings (like shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and avocado), and a drizzle of Sour Cream or Greek yogurt. So good!
**As an Appetizer:** Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce. You could also serve it with tortilla chips for a lighter option.
**For a Low-Carb Meal:** Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. It’s a healthy and delicious way to enjoy this dish without all the carbs. I’ve actually found that I don’t even miss the pasta or rice when I eat it this way!
How do I make Cilantro lime shrimp?
Okay, so I’ve made this Cilantro Lime Shrimp more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.
**Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** This is the most important tip! Overcooked shrimp is tough and rubbery. Cook it just until it’s pink and opaque. It should still be slightly tender to the touch.
**Use Fresh Ingredients:** This recipe relies on the fresh flavors of cilantro and lime, so don’t skimp on quality. Freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly chopped cilantro make a HUGE difference. Trust me on this one.
**Adjust the Heat:** If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can definitely leave out the red pepper flakes. Or, if you want to add even more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
**Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add other ingredients to customize it to your liking. Some ideas: diced Bell Peppers, onions, jalapeños, or even a splash of tequila (for a fun twist!).
**Make Ahead:** You can prep the cilantro lime sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just wait to add the shrimp until you’re ready to cook.
What are the best tips for Storing and Rehe
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, or microwave it in short bursts. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, or it will become tough.
I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce can separate. It’s really best enjoyed fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
What is your favorite Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe? I truly believe this dish is a winner because of its incredible flavor, ease of preparation, and easy to make. What is a quick and easy weeknight meal? If you’re a fan of shrimp recipes, you might also enjoy my Garlic Butter recipe. What is the best recipe for Shrimp Scampi with Mango Salsa? What are some of the easiest recipes to make and I can’t wait to see how they turn out! What do you think of this recipe?
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 0.5 cup Cilantro Fresh, chopped
- 2 Limes Juiced
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
