Bright Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Craving a meal that’s both incredibly delicious and unbelievably easy to prepare? Look no further than this vibrant Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe! It’s a lightning-fast, low-carb, and high-protein dish that promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a wholesome lunch, this versatile seafood delight adapts to any occasion and pairs beautifully with a wide array of sides.

Shrimp holds a special place as one of the most beloved types of seafood, and for good reason. Its delicate texture and ability to absorb flavors make it a chef’s dream. This particular Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe truly showcases why shrimp is so popular: it’s astonishingly simple to prepare, yet bursts with complex flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The bright, zesty kick from fresh lime juice perfectly complements the aromatic, herbaceous notes of cilantro, creating a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to introduce a healthy, lean protein to your family’s diet, making mealtime both exciting and effortless.

If you’re looking to explore more delightful shrimp creations, be sure to also check out my Grilled Shrimp Skewers for a smoky twist or my Shrimp Pineapple Salad for a sweet and savory sensation!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cilantro Lime Shrimp

This Cilantro Lime Shrimp isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation:

• Effortlessly Light & Delicious: Despite being incredibly light, these citrus-infused shrimp are remarkably satisfying. They offer a guilt-free indulgence, packed with flavor without weighing you down. The fresh ingredients contribute to a vibrant taste that makes healthy eating a joy.
• Unmatched Versatility: One of the greatest attributes of this dish is its incredible adaptability. From simple steamed vegetables to hearty grains or even a light pasta, Cilantro Lime Shrimp pairs beautifully with nearly any side dish you can imagine, allowing you to customize your meal every time.
• Naturally Healthy & Wholesome: Loaded with lean protein, shrimp is an excellent choice for a healthy diet. When served with low-carb sides, this recipe becomes a powerhouse of nutrition, keeping you full and energized throughout the day. It’s a smart choice for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
• A Simple Yet Flavor-Packed Marinade: The secret to truly spectacular shrimp lies in a good marinade, and this recipe delivers! A blend of fresh lime juice, aromatic garlic, earthy paprika, and a touch of salt transforms plain shrimp into a succulent, flavorful sensation. This simple marinade penetrates deeply, infusing every bite with deliciousness.
• Incredibly Easy & Quick: Say goodbye to complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times. With just a handful of staple ingredients, this dish goes from your pantry to the dinner table in as little as 15 minutes. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal without the fuss.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Crafting this flavorful dish requires a short and sweet list of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Jumbo Shrimp: The star of our show! Opt for raw, peeled, and deveined jumbo shrimp for the best texture and appearance. They hold up well to cooking and offer a satisfying bite.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Absolutely crucial for that bright, zesty flavor. Freshly squeezed is non-negotiable for superior taste.
• Salt: A fundamental seasoning to enhance all the other flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Fresh Cilantro: The herbaceous backbone of the dish, providing a fresh, slightly peppery, and citrusy aroma. Finely chopped is best for even distribution.
• Garlic Paste: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the marinade. Freshly minced garlic works perfectly if you don’t have paste.
• Paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky sweetness and a lovely red hue, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
• Olive Oil: Used in the marinade and for cooking, providing a smooth base and aiding in browning.
• Butter: A touch of butter added to the pan elevates the richness and helps achieve that desirable golden-brown crispness on the shrimp.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen:

1. Prepare the Marinade and Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice, salt, finely chopped cilantro, garlic paste, and paprika. Mix well to create your aromatic marinade. Add the jumbo shrimp to the bowl, tossing gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For an even richer taste, marinating for up to an hour is recommended.
2. Preheat Skillet and Cook Shrimp: Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt and swirl with the oil until shimmering. Ensure the pan is hot enough to create a quick sear.
3. Sear to Perfection: Carefully arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn an opaque pink and begin to develop a beautiful golden-brown, slightly crunchy exterior. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough.
4. Serve Immediately: Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and serve hot. This dish is fantastic with your preferred side dishes, such as fluffy couscous, steamed broccoli, or creamy avocado. Enjoy the explosion of fresh flavors!

Pro Tips for Achieving Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Elevate your Cilantro Lime Shrimp from good to gourmet with these expert tips:

• Choose Your Cookware Wisely: A cast-iron skillet is truly perfect for cooking shrimp. Its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly ensures a beautiful sear and consistent cooking. If you don’t have one, a high-quality, heavy-bottomed non-stick pan will also work well.
• Give Shrimp Room to Breathe: When cooking, it’s crucial to space the shrimp out in a single layer in the pan. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature and causes the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less desirable texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Master the Art of Doneness: Perfectly cooked shrimp will turn an opaque pink and form a gentle ‘C’ shape. If your shrimp curl tightly into an ‘O’ shape, they are likely overcooked and may be tough. Keep a close eye on them, as shrimp cook very quickly!
• Optimal Defrosting Method: If using frozen shrimp, the best way to defrost them is to place them in a colander in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, you can run them under cold water for about 10-15 minutes until thawed, but avoid hot water, which can begin to cook them.
• Don’t Skimp on Marinade Time: While this is a quick recipe, allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least an hour truly allows the flavors of lime, cilantro, and garlic to penetrate, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.
• Fresh is Best for Lime Juice: Always opt for freshly squeezed lime juice over bottled varieties. The bright, natural acidity and aroma of fresh lime make a significant difference in the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade. This provides a delightful “pop” of spiciness that complements the citrus beautifully.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe is inherently gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences. Ensure all your accompanying side dishes are also gluten-free.

Choosing the Best Shrimp for This Recipe

The quality of your shrimp will significantly impact the outcome of your dish. I personally love working with jumbo shrimp because of their plump, juicy texture and impressive presentation. They cook beautifully and remain tender. However, feel free to use any size of shrimp you prefer. Smaller shrimp tend to cook even faster and can be great for quick stir-fries or salads, while medium-sized shrimp are often versatile for many applications.

When it comes to preparation, using frozen peeled and deveined shrimp can be a huge time-saver without sacrificing quality. Most frozen shrimp are flash-frozen shortly after being caught, preserving their freshness. If you purchase fresh shrimp, ensure they are translucent and firm, with a mild, ocean-like smell. Always peel and devein them before marinating if they aren’t already prepared.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Cilantro Lime Shrimp?

The beauty of this Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe truly shines through its incredible versatility. It harmonizes with an astonishing array of side dishes, allowing you to tailor your meal to your dietary needs or culinary cravings.

As pictured above, a fantastic combination involves serving the Cilantro Lime Shrimp with fluffy couscous, creamy slices of avocado, and tender broccoli florets. This trio provides a delightful contrast in textures and a balanced nutritional profile, offering healthy fats, essential fibers, and complex carbohydrates.

For those prioritizing a low-carb meal, you can easily omit the couscous and focus on an abundance of vibrant vegetables. Consider serving it with:

• Cauliflower Rice: A popular and excellent low-carb substitute for grain, absorbing the delicious shrimp juices.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Light, refreshing, and a great way to incorporate more greens.
• Steamed or Roasted Asparagus: Simple, elegant, and perfectly complements the shrimp.
• Mixed Green Salad: Tossed with a light vinaigrette, it provides a crisp, refreshing counterpoint.
• Sautéed Spinach or Kale: A quick and nutrient-dense side.

If you prefer healthier carb options, don’t limit yourself! Delicious choices include:

• Quinoa: A protein-rich, gluten-free grain that adds substance.
• Brown Rice: A wholesome, fiber-rich alternative to white rice.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the zesty shrimp.
• Whole-Grain Tortillas: Turn your shrimp into delicious, quick tacos!
• Light Pasta: Tossed with a splash of olive oil, more lime juice, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it makes a comforting meal.

While I sometimes enjoy the lightness of couscous (and keep my portion to about 1/2 cup), I frequently opt for low-carb alternatives to keep things interesting and aligned with my dietary goals. The key is to experiment and find what you love most – this shrimp is designed to complement it all!

Meal Prep Magic: Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe is an ideal candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy healthy, delicious meals throughout your busy week. The marinade can be prepared ahead of time, and the cooked shrimp stores well.

For an incredibly convenient make-ahead option, consider preparing a big batch on a sheet pan. Simply combine your marinated shrimp with an assortment of your favorite vegetables, such as asparagus spears, diced sweet potatoes, zucchini rounds, bell pepper strips, and onion cubes. Spread them evenly on a large baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. This “one-pan wonder” minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making your meal prep a breeze. Trust me, try it once, and you’ll be thanking yourself all week!

Dietary Considerations: Whole30, Keto & Gluten-Free

Navigating dietary restrictions doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and this Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe is a perfect example!

• Keto-Friendly: This recipe is inherently low-carb and high in protein, making it perfectly suited for a ketogenic diet. Just be mindful of your chosen side dishes, opting for non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or cauliflower rice to keep your carb count low.
• Whole30 Compliant: To make this recipe fully compliant with the Whole30 program, a small modification is required. Traditional butter contains dairy, which is excluded from Whole30. Simply substitute the butter with ghee (clarified butter) or a compliant cooking fat like avocado oil or coconut oil. With this minor swap, your Cilantro Lime Shrimp becomes a delicious and compliant Whole30 meal!
• Gluten-Free: As mentioned, the recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your spices and any prepared marinades if you’re particularly sensitive, but generally, fresh ingredients ensure it’s a safe bet for those avoiding gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this delightful shrimp dish:

How long does cooked Cilantro Lime Shrimp last in the refrigerator?

Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers make for excellent salads or light lunches.

Can I grill this Cilantro Lime Shrimp?

Absolutely! This marinade is fantastic for grilling. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque and slightly charred. It makes a wonderful outdoor meal!

Is it okay to use dried cilantro?

While dried cilantro can be used in a pinch, it won’t provide the same bright, fresh flavor that fresh cilantro does. For the best results in this recipe, fresh cilantro is highly recommended.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or even a mix of parsley and chives for a different, but still fresh, herbaceous note. The lime flavor will still be prominent and delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to the pan while cooking?

You can! Quick-cooking vegetables like sliced bell peppers, thin-cut onions, or snap peas can be added to the pan after the shrimp are almost done and sautéed for a few minutes until tender-crisp. This creates a wonderful one-pan meal.

More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed this Cilantro Lime Shrimp, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic ways to enjoy shrimp with these other popular recipes:

• Teriyaki Shrimp: A sweet and savory glaze that transforms shrimp into an Asian-inspired delight.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: A rich, spicy, and indulgent pasta dish perfect for a comforting meal.
• Chili Lime Shrimp Taco: Spice up your taco night with this zesty, flavorful shrimp filling.

I genuinely hope you find as much joy in preparing and savoring this delightful Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe as I do. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Please give it a try, experience its fresh flavors, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts!

If you try this recipe and love it, I’d be thrilled to see your creations! Share them with me on INSTAGRAM using my hashtag for a chance to be featured in my story! Also, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST for all my latest culinary adventures and recipe releases.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

A healthy, low-carb meal perfect for any day of the week. Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish will keep you full and satisfied.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 vote)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs raw jumbo shrimp
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp fresh garlic paste (or minced garlic)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter (or ghee for Whole30)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine lime juice, salt, chopped cilantro, garlic paste, and paprika to create the marinade. Add the shrimp, tossing to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to allow flavors to develop.
2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed pan) over high heat. Add olive oil and butter, allowing butter to melt and shimmer.
3. Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet, ensuring they are slightly apart. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp are opaque pink and have a golden-brown, slightly crunchy exterior. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
4. Serve immediately with your choice of side dish, such as steamed broccoli and couscous, or other low-carb alternatives.

Notes

• A cast-iron skillet is ideal for even cooking and searing.
• Do not overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in batches for best results.
• Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn opaque pink and form a ‘C’ shape. An ‘O’ shape indicates overcooking.
• Defrost frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cold running water.
• Marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, for maximum flavor.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most authentic flavor.
• For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the marinade.
• This dish is naturally gluten-free.

Nutrition (excluding couscous)

Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. These values exclude couscous, allowing you to tailor sides to your dietary needs.

• Calories: 266 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4.4g
• Protein: 46.3g
• Fat: 7.7g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Sodium: 854mg
• Sugar: 0.4g