Name: Lime Cilantro Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487092H6M12S
Total time: PT-487092H6M12S
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 2 lbs jumbo shrimp (16–21 ct), peeled (tails on) and deveined; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3–4 tbsp lime juice

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Juicy, marinated shrimp quickly sautéed and finished in a garlicky cilantro-lime butter—this bright and bold dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or tossing on top of salads, tacos, and rice bowls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Marinate, sauté, and serve in just about 30 minutes.
Fresh and Flavorful: A zesty marinade, bold spices, and a burst of lime and cilantro.
Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, over rice or pasta, tucked into tacos, or atop salads.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of citrus, garlic, and herbs always impresses.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp:

2 pounds jumbo or extra jumbo shrimp (16–21 ct), peeled with tails left on and deveined
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

15 Minute Marinade:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon each: chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder
1/2 teaspoon each: smoked paprika, ground coriander, salt, pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cilantro Lime Butter:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (measure before chopping)
3–4 tablespoons lime juice

Directions

Marinate the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 15–30 minutes or in the refrigerator up to 60 minutes (no longer, to prevent mushy shrimp).
Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat. Increase heat to medium-high. Once sizzling, add half the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side, just until opaque and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining shrimp and remaining butter and oil.
Make Cilantro Lime Butter:
In the now empty skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, then stir in cilantro and lime juice.
Combine and Serve:
Return all cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the cilantro-lime butter. Taste and adjust with more lime juice, cayenne, salt, or pepper as needed.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 15–30 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 30–45 minutes

Variations

Grilled Version: Skewer marinated shrimp and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, then toss in cilantro-lime butter.
Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or diced jalapeño to the butter.
No Butter: Use only olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Herb Swap: Try fresh parsley or basil in place of cilantro for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking.
Freezing: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

2. Can I Marinate The Shrimp Longer?

No, marinate up to 60 minutes max—acid in lime juice can break down the shrimp and make it mushy.

3. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?

For best flavor and texture, use raw shrimp. If using pre-cooked, just toss in cilantro-lime butter to warm.

4. What Can I Serve This With?

Try with rice, quinoa, tortillas, in tacos, or over pasta or salad.

5. Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.

6. Can I Omit Cilantro?

Yes—substitute with fresh parsley or another soft herb.

7. Can I Make This Spicier?

Add more cayenne or serve with hot sauce.

8. Can I Grill Instead Of Sauté?

Absolutely! Grill shrimp on skewers, then toss in butter mixture.

9. How Do I Avoid Overcooking Shrimp?

Watch closely—shrimp are done as soon as they turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape.

10. Can I Make This Ahead?

Marinate shrimp up to 60 minutes in advance, but cook just before serving for best results.

Conclusion

Lime Cilantro Shrimp is a simple, zesty dish with vibrant flavors and a buttery finish. Whether served as a main, tossed in tacos, or as an appetizer, it’s sure to become a favorite for busy nights or festive gatherings. Enjoy every bright, citrusy bite!

Maggie