Description
This Simple Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe features tender, juicy shrimp marinated in fresh lime juice, garlic, and spices, then quickly sautéed to perfection. The bright flavors of cilantro and lime create a refreshing and zesty dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal for four.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or properly thawed if frozen)
Marinade & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice (juice of about 2 limes)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients, ensuring that the shrimp are thawed if frozen, then pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Toss everything to thoroughly coat the shrimp in the marinade.
- Marinate Shrimp: Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15-20 minutes so the flavors meld and infuse into the shrimp.
- Preheat Skillet: Place a large skillet on the stove and heat it over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for sautéing.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot skillet, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Transfer Shrimp: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a serving dish while they’re still hot.
- Add Cilantro: Sprinkle the finely chopped cilantro over the top of the hot shrimp to add a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp hot, optionally garnished with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Chili flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice delivers the best flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Serve with rice, tacos, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
