1 of The Best Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe

This Chili Lime Shrimp recipe is the ultimate quick and flavorful dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or as a show-stopping appetizer. Marinated in a tangy lime juice blend with a kick of chili, the shrimp are then pan-seared to golden perfection. They’re bursting with flavor, versatile enough to be paired with rice, salads, or tacos, and are a healthy, low-calorie option everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chili Lime Shrimp recipe is the perfect harmony of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s a versatile dish that works equally well as a main course or appetizer, and its bright, zesty taste is sure to wake up your palate. The shrimp cook in just minutes, making this an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. Plus, with simple, fresh ingredients, it’s as healthy as it is delicious. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable—add it to tacos, mix it into pasta, or serve over rice for a complete meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Optional Substitutions:

• Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a richer flavor.
• Use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly different citrus tang.
• Replace cayenne pepper with red chili flakes for a milder kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp:
   Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined for easy cooking and eating.
2. Make the marinade:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This tangy-spicy mixture will infuse the shrimp with bold flavors.
3. Marinate the shrimp:
   Pour the marinade over the shrimp and toss until all the shrimp are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. Avoid over-marination, as the lime juice can “cook” the shrimp.
4. Heat the skillet:
   Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high warmth. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the shrimp:
   Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in (a single layer). Cook for two-3 mins on every facet, or until the shrimp are purple and opaque. Be cautious not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.
6. Serve immediately:
   Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with clean cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus taste.

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Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 8g
• Carbs: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 1g

Health Benefits:

This Chili Lime Shrimp recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Shrimp is a lean source of protein, making it an excellent option for muscle repair and overall health. It’s also low in calories and high in essential nutrients like selenium, which supports a healthy immune system, and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and brain health. Lime juice provides a dose of vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts your immune system and supports skin health. Chili powder and cayenne contain capsaicin, a compound that may help with metabolism and inflammation. By using olive oil, this recipe adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Altogether, this dish is a wholesome, satisfying choice for any meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
   Yes! Just make certain to thaw them absolutely before marinating. Rinse and pat them dry to remove excess moisture for the best texture.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
   The level of heat is adjustable.If you choose milder flavors, leave out the cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, add extra chili powder or red pepper flakes.
3. What sides pair well with Chili Lime Shrimp?
   These shrimp go wonderfully with cilantro-lime rice, avocado salad, grilled vegetables, or inside tacos for a delicious fusion meal.

Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe

Course: main courseCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

6

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

• 1 tsp lime zest

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)

• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

• Prepare the shrimp:
  Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined for easy cooking and eating.
• Make the marinade:
  In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This tangy-spicy mixture will infuse the shrimp with bold flavors.
• Marinate the shrimp:
  Pour the marinade over the shrimp and toss until all the shrimp are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. Avoid over-marination, as the lime juice can “cook” the shrimp.
• Heat the skillet:
  Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Cook the shrimp:
  Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in ( a single layer ). Cook for two-3 mins on every facet, or until the shrimp are purple and opaque. Be cautious not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.
• Serve immediately:
  Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

• Don’t skip the lime zest—it’s key to achieving the dish’s bold citrus flavor.
• For an even richer taste, try grilling the shrimp instead of pan-searing.
• If you’re short on time, skip marinating and coat the shrimp just before cooking.

Cooking Tips:

1. Dry the shrimp well: Patting the shrimp dry before marinating ensures they sear properly and develop a nice crust.
2. Use fresh lime juice: Bottled lime juice can’t compete with the vibrant flavor of freshly squeezed lime.
3. Double the batch for meal prep: These shrimp reheat well and can be added to salads, wraps, or bowls throughout the week.
4. Add veggies to the pan: Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can be cooked alongside the shrimp for a one-pan meal.
5. Serve immediately: Shrimp taste best when served hot off the skillet.

Conclusion:

This Chili Lime Shrimp recipe is your go-to dish for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or need a zesty protein boost for dinner, these shrimp are sure to impress. Serve them with rice, in tacos, or as a standalone appetizer—the possibilities are endless. Their vibrant flavor, minimal prep time, and health benefits make this recipe a must-try for any seafood lover.