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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.
Serve it with this Cilantro Lime rice or some potatoes like this hot German potato salad.
I love shrimp so much and I could eat it every day and not complain. I try to find different ways to make them so I don’t get too bored. This lip-smacking Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe can be ready in a matter of minutes.
The great thing about this recipe is that it is packed full of lean protein. 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.
Ingredients you will need
- Oil: I used olive oil but you may also use avocado oil.
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili powder
- Minced garlic
- Lime juice
- Cilantro leaves
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.
My Simple Tips
Recipe Tip
- Do not use pre-cooked shrimp. Always best to use raw shrimp.
- You may use frozen raw shrimp. Just allow it to thaw ahead.
- Do not overcook the shrimp. Shrimp doesn’t need too much time to cook. If you overcook it, then you will end up with a rubbery texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Each lime will have about 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
Yes. I always use frozen raw shrimp. Just thaw the shrimp ahead and clean it 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.
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More Shrimp Recipes
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Note: This recipe was updated slightly to add how to make it in the air fryer, and I also added a video.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe
Video
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
Instructions
- Place the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound Raw shrimp and season them with salt and pepper to taste and 1 teaspoon chili powder.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until just pink.
- Stir in the 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in the 1 tablespoon lime juice and ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves, toss for a minute, and then serve.
Notes
- Do use raw shrimp. Large-size shrimp will be great.
- Do not overcook the shrimp. It is tempting, but shrimp doesn’t need long to cook otherwise, the texture will be tough and rubbery.
- Lime tastes best with this dish, but if you only have lemons, then use lemons.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Great Recipe!! The family ALL loved it! The simple mix of complimentary flavors made this dish awesome. I used Harissa paste instead of the chili powder and it added to the flavor. Not overcomplicated and easy to make I think this will be a family favorite! Can’t wait to share this with others.
Thanks for the feedback Karl. Glad you loved it
When I told my picky husband what was for dinner, he just gave me an “I don’t know about this” look. Mid way through dinner I said “well?” And he said he was to busy eating to talk and gave me a thumbs up. Thanks for the recipe!
Nice. Glad he approved
This has to be the best meal I’ve had in the past few years. I made plain white rice and mixed it up with the shrimp, until all the rice was flavored as well. Could hardly stop eating it! Thank you for the recipe. I’ll be making this again and again.
So glad you loved it
This is super yummy and healthy your the best
Thanks. Glad you liked it
Love it!! Easy Quick Delicious!!!
Glad you loved it.
Absolutely delicious! Serves it with seasoned black rice and green salad.
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you loved it!
SOOOOOO GOOD~and EASY! Thank You
Thanks for the feedback Becky.
Simple-real simple and DELICIOUS!
Yay. So glad you liked it.
This is so good! I’ve made and had this twice now in the past 2 weeks! Even my picky fiance loves it!!!! I’m 5 weeks post bariatric surgery and it’s hard for me finding something that feels good to eat. And talk about fast, easy and low everything, but taste!!!
Totally. Such a great one. I love Cilantro but my kids hate it