All-star Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe, tossed in the best roasted garlic and herb sauce! This dish is perfect for a shrimp appetizer or served with pasta for dinner. What makes it stand out is the rich flavor of the roasted garlic paired with fresh cilantro and zesty lime. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion, this dish will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic, cilantro, and lime creates a vibrant sauce that elevates the shrimp.
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy as an appetizer or serve over pasta for a complete meal. It fits any dining scenario!
- Fresh Ingredients: Using whole garlic and fresh herbs guarantees a taste that will make your dishes shine.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and lower in carbs, this recipe is both delicious and nutritious.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Cilantro Lime Shrimp, you’ll need some essential tools that make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or grill
- Serrated knife
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet or grill: Provides even heating for perfectly cooked shrimp with a nice sear.
- Serrated knife: Ideal for cutting through the tough exterior of garlic without crushing the cloves.
- Aluminum foil: Helps retain moisture while roasting garlic, enhancing its flavor.
- Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the ingredients to create that mouthwatering sauce.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your flavorful Cilantro Lime Shrimp:
For the Sauce
- 1 small head garlic
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon dry white apple vinegar (optional), or substitute with more lime juice
- 3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for coating the shrimp)
- 2 tablespoons harissa (or your favorite chili paste)
For the Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp (pre-peeled thawed frozen shrimp work well)
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is essential for roasting the garlic properly.
Step 2: Roast the Garlic
Use a serrated knife to trim the top off the whole head of garlic, exposing the cloves but keeping everything intact. Set it on a large sheet of foil, drizzle generously with olive oil, then wrap it tightly in foil. Roast in the heated oven for about 10 minutes or until slightly tender and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool briefly.
Step 3: Process the Garlic
Once cool enough to handle, peel and crush or chop the roasted garlic as finely as possible. This will enhance its flavor in your sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the roasted garlic, cilantro, lime juice, white apple vinegar (if using), extra virgin olive oil, and harissa. Whisk together until well mixed and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over high heat. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels, then season them with kosher salt and black pepper. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over them before tossing to coat. Arrange on your preheated surface and cook each side for about 2 minutes until they turn just pink. Be careful not to overcook!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Immediately toss the grilled shrimp in that delicious roasted garlic sauce you made earlier. Serve right away for maximum flavor!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a hearty main course, here are some great serving suggestions.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with toothpicks: Perfect for parties, just skewer each shrimp and serve with the roasted garlic sauce on the side.
- Accompany with chips: Pair your shrimp with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast that guests will love.
Over Pasta
- Toss with spaghetti: Combine cooked spaghetti with the shrimp and garlic sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Serve on zucchini noodles: For a low-carb option, replace pasta with spiralized zucchini, adding freshness to your dish.
In Tacos
- Fill soft tortillas: Place shrimp in warmed corn or flour tortillas. Top with fresh salsa and avocado for a delightful treat.
- Create a shrimp burrito bowl: Layer shrimp over rice, beans, and veggies for a filling meal.
With Salad
- Add to mixed greens: Toss cilantro lime shrimp on a bed of mixed greens, topped with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
- Pair with quinoa salad: Combine the shrimp with quinoa, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a nutritious dish.
How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp
To achieve the best results when making Cilantro Lime Shrimp, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and quality shrimp enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Cook until just pink to maintain tenderness. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Experiment with herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try substituting it with fresh basil or parsley for another delicious flavor profile.
- Adjust spice level: Modify the amount of harissa based on your heat preference. More harissa means more heat!
- Use good-quality olive oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness to the sauce that’s worth it.
- Rest before serving: Letting the shrimp sit briefly after cooking allows flavors to meld better before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Pairing sides with Cilantro Lime Shrimp can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to complement this flavorful dish.
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Cilantro Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with cilantro and lime enhances the fresh flavors of the shrimp.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers add color and nutrition alongside your shrimp.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw balances out the meal, providing texture and brightness.
- Corn Salad: Sweet corn mixed with diced tomatoes and jalapeños offers a refreshing contrast to the shrimp’s richness.
- Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado slices provide healthy fats and complement the zesty flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Cilantro Lime Shrimp, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking can make it rubbery. Keep an eye on the cooking time and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Neglecting seasoning: A lack of salt and pepper can lead to bland shrimp. Always season your shrimp well before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Using raw garlic instead of roasted: Roasted garlic adds depth to the sauce. If you skip roasting, you’ll miss out on a rich flavor profile.
- Skipping the marination step: Marinating shrimp in the sauce for a few minutes before cooking intensifies the flavors. Don’t skip this important step!
- Not adjusting acidity: If you find your sauce too acidic, balance it with a touch more olive oil or a pinch of sugar. This keeps the flavors harmonious.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
Freezing Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Containers: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1–2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for about 3–4 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using fresh basil, parsley, or mint as alternatives in your sauce.
How do I know when my shrimp is done?
Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. It usually takes about 5 minutes total cooking time.
Can I serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp with pasta?
Absolutely! This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, creating a delicious main course that’s easy to prepare.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness depends on the amount of harissa you use; you can adjust it according to your preference by reducing or omitting it entirely.
Final Thoughts
Cilantro Lime Shrimp is an all-star recipe that showcases vibrant flavors with minimal effort. Perfect as an appetizer or paired with pasta for dinner, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize the herbs and spices according to your palate—making it truly your own! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the zesty notes of lime and cilantro with the rich depth of roasted garlic. This quick recipe makes an excellent appetizer or a delightful main course when served over pasta. In just 20 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for casual gatherings or special occasions, this dish is versatile enough to fit any dining scenario. With fresh ingredients and simple preparation steps, Cilantro Lime Shrimp promises to deliver bold flavors with every bite.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 small head garlic
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon dry white apple vinegar (optional)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for shrimp)
- 2 tablespoons harissa or chili paste
- 1.5 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Roast the garlic by trimming the top, drizzling with olive oil, wrapping in foil, and baking for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Once cool, crush or chop the roasted garlic finely.
- Combine garlic, cilantro, lime juice, vinegar (if using), olive oil, and harissa in a bowl; whisk well.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, then cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink.
- Toss cooked shrimp in the garlic sauce immediately before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 160mg