Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe is a delightful dish that combines zesty lime and spicy chili flavors for a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers juicy shrimp marinated to perfection. Its vibrant taste and quick preparation make it a favorite among seafood lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of chili and lime creates an irresistible taste that elevates the shrimp.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or add it to salads and tacos for a flavorful twist.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this dish is great for health-conscious eaters.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, everyone will love the savory taste of these grilled shrimp.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your Chili Lime Shrimp turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bamboo skewers
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Bamboo skewers: These are perfect for grilling shrimp evenly while keeping them securely in place.
- Grill: A good grill imparts that smoky flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly to achieve a well-balanced marinade.
Ingredients
Chili Lime Shrimp – juicy and succulent shrimp marinated with chili and lime and grill/baked to perfection. So good and so easy!
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb. (500g) shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on)
For the Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves (or parsley leaves, chopped finely)
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped finely)
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 pinch salt
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers and Shrimp
- Soak the bamboo skewers in cold water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients: lime juice, olive oil, cilantro (or parsley), Thai sweet chili sauce, garlic, honey, and salt.
- Add the cleaned shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
- Preheat your grill over medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated shrimp onto soaked bamboo skewers.
- Grill the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and slightly charred on the surface.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove from grill and serve immediately with additional chopped parsley as garnish. Enjoy your delicious Chili Lime Shrimp!
How to Serve Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe
Chili lime shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, the flavor of the shrimp can be enhanced by thoughtful serving suggestions.
With Fresh Salad
- A light, crisp salad adds freshness. Consider mixing greens with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette.
On Tacos
- Serve the shrimp in soft or hard taco shells. Top with cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lime crema for added flavor.
Over Rice
- A bed of fluffy rice absorbs the delicious marinade. Use jasmine or cilantro-lime rice for extra zest.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Pair the shrimp with seasonal grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn for a colorful and healthy meal.
As Part of a Seafood Platter
- Combine the chili lime shrimp with other seafood such as scallops and calamari on a platter for an impressive presentation.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the shrimp along with shredded carrots and cucumber for a fresh bite-sized treat.
How to Perfect Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe
To achieve the best results with your chili lime shrimp recipe, follow these helpful tips for optimal flavor and texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and herbs will elevate the dish significantly compared to bottled options.
Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least one hour instead of 30 minutes.
Avoid Overcooking: Cook until just pink and opaque; overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before cooking to achieve that perfect charred exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy these shrimp right off the grill to savor their full flavor and tenderness.
Experiment with Spices: Add cayenne pepper or paprika to spice things up based on your heat preference.
Best Side Dishes for Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe
The right side dishes can complement your chili lime shrimp beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: Fluffy rice mixed with fresh cilantro and lime juice enhances the zesty flavors of the shrimp.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the spicy notes. Brush with butter and sprinkle with lime juice before serving.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad featuring quinoa, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and a tangy dressing.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread topped with chili flakes makes for an enjoyable appetizer or side dish.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots tossed in a light dressing adds texture alongside your shrimp.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness balances out the spicy flavors in the dish—simply roast until tender.
- Pasta Salad: Cold pasta salad incorporating vegetables and vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to warm shrimp.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread can serve as an excellent accompaniment for soaking up any leftover marinade from your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Chili Lime Shrimp, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that could affect the taste and texture of the dish.
- Skipping the Marination: Not letting the shrimp marinate long enough can result in bland flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes for optimal taste.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough. Watch closely and cook until they turn opaque and slightly charred.
- Using Old Shrimp: Fresh shrimp make a significant difference. Always choose shrimp that are firm and have a mild sea smell.
- Neglecting Skewers: Failing to soak bamboo skewers can lead to burning. Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Low-quality lime juice or chili sauce can ruin the dish. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chili Lime Shrimp in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe
- Freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the shrimp until heated, about 4-5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to serve Chili Lime Shrimp?
Chili Lime Shrimp works great as a main dish or served over rice, salad, or pasta.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.
How spicy is this Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili sauce used in the marinade.
What sides pair well with Chili Lime Shrimp?
Consider serving it with avocado salad, steamed vegetables, or grilled corn for a refreshing meal.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various sides or toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Chili Lime Shrimp
Chili Lime Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the zesty brightness of lime with the heat of chili, creating a tantalizing taste experience.
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (or parsley)
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Rinse shrimp under cold water, pat dry, and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, Thai sweet chili sauce, garlic, honey, and salt.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly; let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated shrimp onto soaked skewers and grill for 2–3 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Remove from grill and serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 160mg