You can never go wrong with shrimp dinner recipes. Some of my favorites include bacon wrapped shrimp, shrimp linguine, shrimp etouffee and this simple yet satisfying cilantro lime shrimp. I’m always searching for meals that are full of flavor, but easy to put together on those super busy weeknights. This cilantro lime shrimp definitely fits the bill!
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Ingredients
To make this reicpe, you will need shrimp, lime juice, cilantro, butter, garlic, cumin, salt and black pepper.
How Do You Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Melt the butter in a large skillet, then season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Place the shrimp in the pan and cook until they are pink and opaque, which should take 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cumin and garlic, and cook for one more minute. Finally, add the lime juice and cilantro and toss gently to combine. Serve the shrimp immediately. You can add some lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for garnish for a more elegant presentation.
Tips For The Perfect Dish
I recommend using extra large shrimp for this dish. You can use smaller shrimp, you may just need to cook the shrimp for one minute less. Look for 16-20 count or 21-25 count shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp in this dish. If you’re going with frozen, make sure that they are thawed, and pat them dry with a paper towel so that they’ll sear properly. Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can remove the tails from the shrimp, or leave them on for a more elegant presentation. Serve your cilantro lime shrimp with Mexican insired sides such as black beans and rice, black bean and corn salad or Mexican corn salad. You can also pair this dish with corn tortillas or flour tortillas to make cilantro lime shrimp tacos!
Flavor Variations
This recipe is great as-is, but you can easily customize some of the ingredients to suit your taste.
Protein: Swap out the shrimp for scallops or bite sized pieces of salmon or chicken. Herbs: No cilantro on hand? You can use 2 tablespoons of sliced green onions instead. Spices: Feel free to add more spices such as coriander, chili powder, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper or onion powder. Toppings: Finish the dish with some hot sauce, fresh lime zest, a drizzle of sour cream, fresh avocado or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
Once you try this cilantro lime shrimp, you’ll find yourself making it on a regular basis. It’s fresh, flavorful and pairs well with a variety of sides! It’s one of my all time favorite shrimp recipes.
