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Delicious Chili Lime Shrimp

Featured in: Master the Art of Grilling and Barbecue

Chili Lime Shrimp combines fresh lime tang and warm chili spices into a meal that’s wonderfully fast to make. The shrimp soak up a bold lime marinade in 30 minutes and cook in 5 more, staying juicy and flavorful. This recipe shines with basic, pantry-friendly ingredients and delivers protein-packed deliciousness while being naturally low-carb. Sprinkle cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges for extra flair. Perfect over salads, rice, tacos, or even as a chilled seafood dish, it’s the ideal option for busy days or impressing guests effortlessly.
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Updated on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:36:56 GMT
A dish of shrimp garnished with citrus and fresh herbs. Pin it
A dish of shrimp garnished with citrus and fresh herbs. | yummygusto.com

Succulent shrimp glazed with zesty chili and fresh lime creates an irresistible combination of flavors in this quick and vibrant seafood dish. The natural sweetness of the shrimp shines through while getting enhanced by balanced heat and bright citrus notes. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or taco filling, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen time.

These shrimp consistently win over even hesitant seafood eaters. The combination of citrus brightness and gentle warmth from the chili creates an approachable yet exciting flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more. The recipe strikes that perfect balance between simple preparation and impressive results.

Fresh Ingredient Selection

  • Fresh shrimp: Choose firm, translucent shrimp with a mild ocean scent. Avoid any with off odors.
  • Fresh limes: Select heavy fruits with smooth, bright skin for maximum juice.
  • Chili powder: Use fresh, aromatic powder with vibrant color.
  • Garlic: Pick firm, unsprouted cloves for best flavor.
  • Olive oil: Good quality for cooking, but no need for premium grade.
  • Fresh cilantro: Look for bright, crisp bunches without wilting.
  • Sea salt: Coarse grind works well for controlled seasoning.

Preparation Method

Marinade Mixing:
Combine juice from two limes with olive oil in a bowl, whisking to blend. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin and salt, whisking until evenly mixed.
Shrimp Preparation:
Clean and devein large shrimp (16/20 count), leaving tails if desired. Rinse and thoroughly pat dry.
Marination Process:
Coat shrimp evenly in marinade. Cover and refrigerate 15-30 minutes maximum to prevent lime juice from altering texture.
Cooking Technique:
Heat skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp in single layer 2 minutes per side until pink and gently curled.
A plate of shrimp with limes and parsley. Pin it
A plate of shrimp with limes and parsley. | yummygusto.com

Finishing Touches

Remove from heat promptly to prevent overcooking. Toss with fresh cilantro and transfer to serving dish. Garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro sprigs if desired.

The recipe adapts beautifully to different heat preferences. The marinade can be divided and adjusted with more or less chili powder to accommodate both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors. Even without any heat, the garlic-lime combination creates delicious results.

Serving Inspirations

Serve over lime-scented cauliflower rice for a light meal. For appetizers, skewer with avocado and tomatoes. Make fresh tacos with warm corn tortillas, cabbage slaw and avocado. The shrimp also work beautifully in salads or rice bowls.

This recipe proves that quality seafood needs minimal enhancement to shine. The bright flavors and colors create an impressive dish that's actually quite simple to prepare. It's an ideal choice whether you're making a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Definitely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly, just make sure to defrost them first. Run cold water over them in a colander for about 5-7 minutes until thawed, then pat them dry before marinating.
→ How long should I marinate the shrimp?
The sweet spot is 30 minutes. You can push it to an hour, but don’t marinate much longer than that because the lime’s acidity can start cooking the shrimp, changing their texture.
→ What should I pair with Chili Lime Shrimp?
They match with tons of sides! Keep it low-carb with a fresh salad or cauliflower rice. Or try black beans, cilantro rice, roasted veggies, or stuff them in tortillas for shrimp tacos.
→ Can I grill these shrimp instead of cooking them in a pan?
Absolutely! They’re awesome on the grill. After marinating, skewer the shrimp and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side. You’ll get a yummy smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
→ Is this recipe spicy?
It’s got some light heat from the chili powder, nothing too intense. You can make it hotter by adding cayenne or jalapeños, or tone it down by reducing the chili powder.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can cook them in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use them cold in salads or reheat gently in a pan to avoid overcooking.

Delicious Chili Lime Shrimp

Packed with citrusy zing and simple to prepare, these Chili Lime Shrimp are ready in a flash. Great for weeknights or whenever you need a quick, low-carb fix!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Fire-Grilled Foods

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Shrimp and Marinade

01 1 lb of shrimp, cleaned and shells removed
02 Juice from 1/4 cup of lime plus grated lime peel
03 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
04 2 garlic cloves, crushed
05 1 tsp of chili powder
06 1/2 tsp of ground cumin
07 1/2 tsp of kosher salt

→ Toppings and Garnishes

08 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
09 One lime, sliced into wedges

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a big bowl and whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, crushed garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt until everything is mixed well.

Step 02

Put the shrimp into the marinade mixture and gently toss so they’re evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pop it in the fridge, and let it chill for about 30 minutes.

Step 03

Heat up a large skillet on medium. Add the shrimp and any leftover marinade to the pan. Cook the shrimp until they’re pink and no longer translucent, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 04

Take the shrimp off the heat and mix in the fresh cilantro. Put them on a dish and serve them right away. Don’t forget to squeeze some lime wedges over the shrimp for extra flavor.

Notes

  1. These shrimp pack a chili-lime punch, and they’re great for quick low-carb meals.
  2. Cooking takes just a few minutes, making this a perfect speedy dinner idea for busy nights.
  3. Eat these shrimp with cauliflower rice, in tacos, or even alongside a simple salad for a full meal.
  4. Keep any leftovers fresh in an airtight container in your fridge—good for up to 3 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big bowl for mixing
  • Whisk for combining the marinade
  • A large frying pan or skillet
  • Plastic wrap for covering the bowl
  • Optional but helpful: A garlic press

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 24 g