Name: Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; ¼ teaspoon cumin; ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves; 2 tablespoons lime juice; Cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. The bright lime juice combined with fresh cilantro and garlic creates a deliciously vibrant sauce that complements the tender shrimp beautifully.

A white round plate holds a colorful meal with four main parts: at the bottom left, a bed of white rice mixed with chopped green herbs; on top of the rice, five large cooked shrimp in bright orange with flecks of green herbs, slightly stacked; to the right of the shrimp, a pile of dark brown beans with a smooth, shiny texture; and next to the beans, a scoop of fresh, chunky salsa made of red diced tomatoes, purple onion, and green herbs. Three thin slices of lime rest on the left side of the plate, partially on the rice. A sprig of fresh green cilantro tops the shrimp. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a fork at the lower left and some green leaves blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
¼ teaspoon cumin
¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons lime juice
Cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a large pan over high heat.
Step 2: Season the shrimp generously with the salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cumin, cooking for 1 more minute to release their flavors.
Step 5: Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro leaves, mixing well to combine.
Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
Use fresh lime juice for the best bright flavor, avoiding bottled juice.
Serve over rice or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Swap butter for olive oil to keep the dish dairy-free.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be served cold in salads.

How to Serve

A close-up of a silver pan filled with cooked shrimp, each piece showing bright orange and white layers with a slight char. The shrimp are garnished with small pieces of green herbs scattered evenly over the top. A silver spoon lifts one shrimp, highlighting its curled shape and succulent texture. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I serve with cilantro lime shrimp?

This shrimp pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, warm tortillas, or a fresh green salad for a light and balanced meal.