Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with the fresh flavors of cilantro and lime. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Why This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Is the Best
- Fresh and Zesty: The combination of lime juice and cilantro adds a refreshing and zesty flavor to the shrimp.
- Juicy Shrimp: The shrimp are cooked to perfection, ensuring they remain juicy and tender.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can serve this dish with a variety of sides, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, Cilantro Lime Shrimp is the perfect choice. The combination of fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and succulent shrimp makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Butter and garlic: Provide a rich, flavorful base for cooking the shrimp.
- Shrimp: The main protein, offering a tender and succulent texture.
- Lime: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby flavor, complementing the lime and shrimp.
- Paprika or Old Bay: Brings a subtle spice and enhances the flavor.
- Salt: For seasoning to taste.
Tips for Making the Best Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality shrimp, cilantro, and lime.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink to ensure they stay juicy and tender.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the shrimp marinate in the cilantro lime mixture for at least 15 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Top the cooked shrimp with plenty of fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- With Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos, topped with avocado and salsa for a delicious twist.
- With a Salad: Enjoy it with a fresh green salad on the side to balance the zesty flavors of the dish.
- With Quinoa: Pair it with quinoa for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- With Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a colorful and healthy plate.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Cilantro Lime Shrimp. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, Cilantro Lime Shrimp is the perfect choice. The combination of fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and succulent shrimp makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 package 2 pounds frozen, large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail-on (thawed according to package instructions)
- 2 medium cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 1 lime divided use
- 3 Tbsp salted butter
- ½ Tbsp fresh cilantro or ½ teaspoon dried cilantro chopped
- ⅛ tsp paprika or Old Bay
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Place the thawed shrimp into a medium bowl and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- To remove the tails, grasp the shrimp in one hand and gently pinch and pull off the tail with the other. Discard the tails, then give the shrimp another quick rinse to remove any leftover shell pieces.
- In a large skillet (an extra-large one works best), melt the butter.
- While the butter is melting, press or finely mince the garlic. Once the butter has fully melted, add the garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the drained shrimp to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer if you can. Cook the shrimp for about 2 ½ minutes on one side, then flip each piece over. Cook for another 2 ½ minutes, or until the shrimp turns opaque. You’ll know it’s done when it’s white with reddish-orange accents.
- Once cooked, squeeze the juice of half a lime over the shrimp, then stir in cilantro and either paprika or Old Bay seasoning.
- Taste to see if extra salt is needed, depending on the saltiness of the shrimp or if you used Old Bay (which already contains salt).
- Serve the shrimp with the remaining lime half for anyone who wants more lime juice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
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Cilantro Lime Shrimp