Zesty Garlic Lime Shrimp Recipe: A Tangy Seafood Sensation

Succulent garlic lime shrimp dance with zesty brightness on your plate, promising a culinary adventure.

Marinated seafood can transport you to coastal kitchens with minimal effort.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly in this quick Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Bright citrus notes complement the rich, robust garlic perfectly.

You’ll find the recipe surprisingly simple yet impressively delicious.

Tender shrimp absorb incredible flavor from just a few key ingredients.

Crisp and tangy, this meal comes together faster than you might expect.

Dive into this mouthwatering creation and let your taste buds celebrate!

Garlic Lime Shrimp: A Delicious Zesty Twist

• The zesty lime and robust garlic create a mouthwatering combination that transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Easily serve over rice, salad, or tacos, making this recipe adaptable for different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Using just a few pantry staples, you can create a gourmet-tasting meal without complicated cooking techniques or expensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Garlic Lime Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein of this zesty dish.

• Lime Juice: Bright citrus liquid that adds tangy flavor and helps tenderize the shrimp.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and pungent flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps distribute flavors and prevent sticking.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the shrimp.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a final burst of bright, herbal freshness to the dish.

Stepwise Instructions for Garlic Lime Shrimp

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime juice, finely chopped garlic, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.

Stir the ingredients until they’re beautifully blended, creating a vibrant and aromatic marinade.

Step 2: Bathe Shrimp in Flavor

Gently add the raw shrimp to the marinade, carefully coating each piece.

Let the shrimp soak up the tangy and garlicky goodness for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Heat Up the Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Let the pan warm up until it’s hot and ready for the shrimp to sizzle.

Step 4: Sear Shrimp to Perfection

Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer across the hot skillet.

Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, watching for the shrimp to turn a beautiful pink color and become slightly opaque.

Step 5: Sprinkle Fresh Herbs

Just before serving, scatter freshly chopped cilantro over the cooked shrimp, adding a burst of bright, fresh flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the shrimp immediately over steamed rice or a crisp garden salad.

The dish is best enjoyed hot, with all its zesty, garlicky goodness.

Pro Tips to Perfect Garlic Lime Shrimp

• Let shrimp sit in the lime-garlic mixture for exactly 10 minutes to prevent over-tenderizing and maintain perfect texture.
• Use a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet to achieve beautiful golden-brown sear without sticking.
• Cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Add chopped cilantro just before serving to preserve its bright flavor and vibrant green color.
• Plate immediately after cooking to keep shrimp warm and prevent rubbery texture from continued cooking.

Keeping Garlic Lime Shrimp Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Ensure the shrimp are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through.
• Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• When reheating, work quickly to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and rubbery. Warm just until heated through to maintain tenderness and flavor.

Pairings That Complement Garlic Lime Shrimp

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp, bright sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that matches the lime's tanginess and complements the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa Salad: Create a light, refreshing side dish with quinoa, fresh cilantro, diced cucumber, and a lemony vinaigrette to enhance the garlic lime marinade.
• Match with Citrus-Infused Cocktail: Mix a light mojito or margarita using fresh lime juice and a touch of mint to echo the recipe's bright, bold profile and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Complement with Avocado Salsa: Prepare a fresh salsa with ripe avocados, red onion, and extra cilantro to add creamy texture and balance the shrimp's zesty marinade.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Lime Shrimp

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace salt with herb seasoning blend and use low-sodium garlic powder to reduce overall sodium content while maintaining robust flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Serve shrimp over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, ensuring a low-carb alternative that keeps the meal nutritionally balanced.
• Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Version: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use coconut oil instead of olive oil for individuals with specific dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu cubes or tempeh, marinating plant-based protein in the same lime and garlic mixture for a comparable taste experience.

FAQs

• How long should I marinate the shrimp?

The marinade time is crucial but brief – just 10 minutes. Any longer can cause the lime juice to start “cooking” the shrimp, making them tough and rubbery.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but completely thaw and pat dry the shrimp first. Excess moisture can prevent proper searing and make the shrimp steam instead of getting a nice golden color.

• What type of skillet works best for cooking shrimp?

A cast-iron or stainless steel skillet is ideal. These materials conduct heat evenly and help create a perfect golden sear on the shrimp without sticking.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for a pink color and opaque appearance. Shrimp cook quickly – about 2 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy, so watch them carefully.

Garlic Lime Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty garlic lime shrimp brings Mediterranean coastal flavors dancing across your plate with bold, fresh ingredients. Succulent shrimp marinated in tangy lime and garlic promises a quick, elegant meal that elevates weeknight dining for discerning palates.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) large raw shrimp, deveined
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 limes, juiced (about 1/4 cup or 60 milliliters)

Herbs and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Liquid:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Whisk together zesty lime juice, aromatic garlic, smooth olive oil, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Gently immerse shrimp into the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow flavors to penetrate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
3. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until surface is hot and shimmering, creating an ideal searing environment.
4. Carefully arrange marinated shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to promote even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
5. Sear shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side, watching for a transformative color change from translucent gray to opaque pink with golden edges.
6. In the final moments of cooking, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro across the shrimp, releasing its fragrant herbal essence.
7. Transfer immediately to a serving platter, accompanying with fluffy rice or crisp salad to capture the dish’s vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Marinate shrimp briefly to prevent the lime juice from “cooking” the proteins and making them tough, keeping them tender and juicy.
• Use fresh garlic and lime juice for maximum flavor intensity, avoiding pre-minced garlic or bottled lime juice which can taste flat.
• Choose large or jumbo shrimp for best texture and presentation, ensuring they cook evenly without becoming rubbery.
• For gluten-free version, confirm olive oil and ingredients are certified gluten-free, and serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg