Description
Cilantro Lime Spicy Shrimp
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lime, juiced (plus extra wedges for garnish)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions
Prep the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with chili powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sear the Shrimp:
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly caramelized.
Add Lime Juice:
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp while they’re still in the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
Finish with Cilantro:
Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the shrimp and remove the skillet from the heat.
Serve:
Transfer the shrimp to a plate and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. Perfect as a main dish, taco filling, or salad topper!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 200 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect shrimp every time. First, ensure your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry; this is crucial for achieving a good sear. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss the dry shrimp directly in this spice mix until evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in your skillet until it shimmers, then add the garlic. Sauté just until fragrant to avoid burning. Add the shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer—cook in batches if necessary. Let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop color before flipping. Once pink and opaque, reduce heat slightly, add the lime juice, and toss for 30 seconds. Finally, remove from heat before stirring in the cilantro to preserve its fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile shrimp shines in many dishes. Serve it as a main course over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or cauliflower rice. For a light meal, toss it into a fresh salad with avocado and corn. It’s the perfect filling for warm tortillas to make tacos, topped with slaw and a drizzle of crema. For an appetizer, skewer the shrimp and serve with a creamy dipping sauce. You can also add it to pasta or grain bowls for a quick, protein-packed lunch.
How-to Summary
In short: Dry shrimp, coat with spices (chili powder, paprika, cayenne, S&P). Sauté minced garlic in hot oil until fragrant. Cook seasoned shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Add fresh lime juice and toss. Off heat, finish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Pat them extremely dry before seasoning.
How can I make this less spicy? Omit the cayenne pepper entirely and use a mild chili powder. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder by half.
What’s the best pan to use? A large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet is ideal for achieving a high-heat sear and caramelization.
Can I prepare the spice mix ahead? Absolutely. Mix the dry spices (chili powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper) in advance and store in an airtight container for quick use.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked? Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque (white) throughout and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” and become rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Shrimp: Wet shrimp will steam instead of sear, preventing caramelization.
- Crowding the Pan: Adding too many shrimp at once lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to soggy results. Cook in batches.
- Overcooking the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Sauté it only for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant before adding the shrimp.
- Adding Cilantro Too Early: Stirring cilantro into the hot skillet for too long wilts it. Always add it at the very end, off the heat.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the pan as soon as they are opaque to maintain tenderness.
Conclusion
This Cilantro Lime Spicy Shrimp recipe is a powerhouse of flavor that comes together in mere minutes. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve a restaurant-quality sear and a perfectly balanced, zesty dish. Its incredible versatility makes it a reliable go-to for busy weeknights or impressive entertaining. Master this simple technique, and you’ll have a delicious, healthy protein option ready to elevate any meal.