Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe {15-Minutes} -

Name: Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil); 1 pound Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined); salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves

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This simple, flavor-bursting, Mexican-inspired Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe can knock the socks off of your shrimp any day. Make this any day and serve over salad, rice, quinoa, or some veggies.

The great thing about this cilantro lime shrimp recipe is that it is packed full of lean protein and so easy to make. It comes together in just 15 minutes and makes for a quick dinner recipe you can count on. It can be used as an appetizer, or even as a main dish, served over a bed of rice, or turned into Shrimp Tacos. There are just so many options for you to use this recipe with.

Serve it with this Cilantro Lime rice or some potatoes like this hot German potato salad.

Tips before you get started

I do not recommend you use cooked shrimp. Use raw if possible, and you can get them peeled, deveined, and frozen from the store.
If the shrimp is frozen, thaw first, drain and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Do not overcook the shrimp; otherwise, they will turn rubbery. As soon as it curls and turns orange in color, it is ready.

Ingredients you will need

Below is a list of ingredients you will need and substitutions you can make. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.

Oil: I used olive oil, but you may also use avocado oil. Don’t have either one handy, use any oil you have on hand.
Shrimp: Please use Raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Cooked shrimp will not give you the same outcome. Don’t like shrimp? Swap it with chicken bites if you like, or scallops.
Salt and pepper to taste
Chili powder
Minced garlic: Use fresh garlic because it will give the best flavor.
Lime juice: If you can use fresh lime, that would work best because bottled lime juice just tastes different. But you can manage if that’s all you have.
Cilantro leaves: Must be fresh cilantro. No shortcuts here.

How to make Cilantro lime shrimp

Place the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season them with salt, pepper and the chili powder.
Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until just pink.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Stir in the lime juice and cilantro, then serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lemon or lime go better with shrimp?

Even though you can use lemons instead of lime to make this cilantro lime shrimp recipe, the flavor combo with lime tastes so much better.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime?

Technically, you can. Bottled lime juice doesn’t taste nearly as delicious as fresh lime juice. Unless you are pressed, I recommend you use fresh lime instead.

How much lime juice is equal to one lime?

Each lime will have about 2 tablespoons of lime juice.

Can i use frozen raw shrimp?

Yes. I always use frozen raw shrimp. Just thaw the shrimp ahead and clean them well.

How to make it in the air fryer

If you prefer to toss this in the air fryer instead, you can. You just need to make tiny changes.

Preheat the air fryer to 375F for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, add all the raw shrimp, and oil ( use avocado oil if possible, I don’t like using olive oil in the air fryer- or just don’t use extra virgin and opt for lite).
Next, add the salt and pepper, chili powder, minced garlic, and lime juice.
Using your hands or spoon, mix everything to combine. Do not add the cilantro just yet.
Pour the shrimp into the air fryer basket and air fry for 6-7 minutes. Open the basket after 3 minutes and toss them a bit.
Remove from air fryer and add more lime juice if desired, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve and enjoy.

5 from 23 votes