This recipe for cilantro lime shrimp is tender shrimp sauteed with butter, garlic, cumin, lime juice and fresh cilantro. A quick and easy meal option that’s ready in minutes!
You can never go wrong with shrimp dinner recipes. Some of my favorites include bacon wrapped shrimp, shrimp linguine, shrimp etouffee and this simple yet satisfying cilantro lime shrimp.
I’m always searching for meals that are full of flavor, but easy to put together on those super busy weeknights. This cilantro lime shrimp definitely fits the bill!
Table of Contents
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Ingredients
To make this reicpe, you will need shrimp, lime juice, cilantro, butter, garlic, cumin, salt and black pepper.
How Do You Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Melt the butter in a large skillet, then season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Place the shrimp in the pan and cook until they are pink and opaque, which should take 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cumin and garlic, and cook for one more minute. Finally, add the lime juice and cilantro and toss gently to combine. Serve the shrimp immediately. You can add some lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for garnish for a more elegant presentation.
Tips For The Perfect Dish
- I recommend using extra large shrimp for this dish. You can use smaller shrimp, you may just need to cook the shrimp for one minute less. Look for 16-20 count or 21-25 count shrimp.
- You can use fresh or frozen shrimp in this dish. If you’re going with frozen, make sure that they are thawed, and pat them dry with a paper towel so that they’ll sear properly.
- Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can remove the tails from the shrimp, or leave them on for a more elegant presentation.
- Serve your cilantro lime shrimp with Mexican insired sides such as black beans and rice, black bean and corn salad or Mexican corn salad. You can also pair this dish with corn tortillas or flour tortillas to make cilantro lime shrimp tacos!
Quick Tip
Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
Recipe FAQs
I prefer to cook shrimp in butter, as butter is more flavorful than oil. Shrimp and butter pair perfectly together flavor wise. You can substitute olive oil for butter if you prefer to make this a dairy free dish.
Shrimp always benefit from a good seasoning of salt pepper. They also pair well with spices including cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander and turmeric.
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Flavor Variations
This recipe is great as-is, but you can easily customize some of the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Protein: Swap out the shrimp for scallops or bite sized pieces of salmon or chicken.
- Herbs: No cilantro on hand? You can use 2 tablespoons of sliced green onions instead.
- Spices: Feel free to add more spices such as coriander, chili powder, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper or onion powder.
- Toppings: Finish the dish with some hot sauce, fresh lime zest, a drizzle of sour cream, fresh avocado or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
Once you try this cilantro lime shrimp, you’ll find yourself making it on a regular basis. It’s fresh, flavorful and pairs well with a variety of sides! It’s one of my all time favorite shrimp recipes.
More Great Shrimp Recipes
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Cilantro Lime Shrimp
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 springs and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pan over high heat.
- Season the shrimp generously with the salt and pepper.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Add the garlic and cumin and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the lime juice and cilantro.
- Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- You can use any size shrimp in this dish, but I recommend using large shrimp that are at 16-20 count or 21-25 count.
- Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can remove the tails of the shrimp, or leave them on for a more elegant presentation.
Can this be made with frozen/thawed shrimp
Thawed shrimp will work fine!
I can’t even tell you how zesty and delicious this recipe was! It a real winner!
Made this for dinner. Wow so much flavor and freshness.
Making this evening for dinner, will let you know.
I bought the largest grilling shrimp I could fine.
Hi, Sara
This dish looks so attractive, I was really fascinated by the color of them. You know, my family loves shrimp, I’m sure I’ll add this dish to my menu, I think they will be surprised and love this dish. Thank you for sharing
This makes my mouth water! Can’t wait to try it!
LOVE this recipe, Sara. I’m a proud shrimp addict so I can never have too many fresh and delicious recipes for it. It’s such an easy dish to prepare as well and how great that your kids are into it!
Happy Friday! Sharing 🙂
Hi Sara, what a wonderful meal, love, love the salsa, it looks like it pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
The shrimp look amazing. I love the salsa too!
A great way to enjoy shrimp! Shrimp always seems so summer-y to me, so this is perfect for this time of year. Love the mango salsa, too!
I’m crowning you the shrimp queen Sara, you always get my mouth watering! This is truly gorgeous, I’m pinning and sharing <3
These shrimp are so colorful – I am drooling! Love the mango salsa and could eat that on everything and anything!