Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe

This grilled shrimp recipe is serious flavor inspo. I love how the zesty lime, roasted garlic, and fresh cilantro come together to elevate the shrimp, giving them a well-balanced char and intense taste. The marinade is a vibrant mix of spice and freshness that satisfies my foodie cravings while keeping it simple and delicious.

I love making this Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe because it always turns out so flavorful and satisfying. I think the combination of 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, with 2 tbsp olive oil creates the perfect base for a dish that’s both healthy and delicious.

I roast 4 garlic cloves until they develop a sweet depth and then mix them with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and 3 tbsp lime juice from about 2 limes. Adding 1 tsp lime zest really brightens up the dish, and I like a pinch of 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to give it a bit of a kick.

I season everything with salt and pepper to taste. This recipe not only offers lean protein and healthy fats but also brings together incredible zesty and slightly spicy flavors that remind me of other great Lime Shrimp dishes I’ve made.

I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe becuz it gives me a perfect blend of tangy lime and smoky grilled flavors that really makes the shrimp pop. I love how the roasted garlic mixed in with fresh cilantro adds an extra kick thats both bold and kinda smooth at the same time. The way the red pepper flakes show up just gives it a fun, spicy vibe that makes each bite exciting. Also, it’s super easy and quick to make so i can throw it together even on busy weeknights and not worry about messing it up.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: These succulent shrimp are loaded with high quality protein and very low in fat, making them a great option for a lean meal that gives you energy.
• Olive Oil: With its heart-healthy fats, olive oil not only helps in cooking but adds a smooth, rich flavor to the dish.
• Roasted Garlic: Cozy and mild, roasted garlic introduces a sweet, savory punch that bumps up the overall taste.

  It also has antioxidants.

• Fresh Cilantro: Packed with vitamins, this herb lends a bright, refreshing flavor while adding a little crunch and color.
• Lime Juice and Zest: These contribute the tangy, sour vibe that really wakes up the flavors and balances the spices.
• Red Pepper Flakes: They give a bit of a kick and spice that makes the dish more interesting and zesty.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, roasted
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp lime juice, from about 2 limes
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make this

1. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat.

2. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

3. Roughly chop the roasted garlic and add it along with the cilantro to the bowl.

4. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them well so they get evenly coated.

5. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes at room temperature.

6. Place the shrimp on the grill, turning them after 2-3 minutes so they char slightly on both sides.

7. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, usually about 4-5 minutes total.

8. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty cilantro lime shrimp!

Equipment Needed

1. Grill – You need a grill to cook the shrimp at medium-high heat
2. Large mixing bowl – Use this to mix together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper
3. Measuring spoons and cups – These are essential for measuring out your olive oil, lime juice, and lime zest
4. Chef’s knife – For roughly chopping the roasted garlic and cilantro
5. Cutting board – This is where you chop the garlic and cilantro safely
6. Tongs – Use these to turn the shrimp on the grill so they char evenly
7. Serving plate – You’ll need one to serve up the cilantro lime shrimp when theyre done

FAQ

• Q: How long should I marinate the shrimp?
  A: You only need to let the shrimp sit in the marinade for about 10-15 minutes so they can pick up all the yummy flavors.
• Q: Can I roast my own garlic if I dont have pre-roasted ones?
  A: Yes, you can! Just toss the garlic cloves with a little olive oil and roast ’em in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes until they’re soft and sweet.
• Q: Is it okay to substitute another herb for cilantro?
  A: Sure, you can use parsley if you’re not a fan of cilantro, but it does change the flavor a bit.
• Q: Can I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes?
  A: Absolutely, if you like it spicier go ahead and add more, or cut back if you prefer a milder dish.
• Q: Should I reuse the marinade for cooking later?
  A: Not really, since it has been in raw shrimp. It’s safer to make a fresh batch if you need more sauce.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant get large shrimp, you can try scallops or even firm whitefish like cod for a different twist
• If olive oil isn’t available, avocado oil works just as well and bring a similar smooth flavor and healthy fats
• Don’t have roasted garlic cloves? Fresh garlic can be roughed out in a pinch, but you might wanna cook it a bit longer to mellow its sharpness
• No cilantro lying around? Fresh parsley is a great substitute that still gives a herby kick
• If red pepper flakes are missing, a light pinch of cayenne pepper can step in to give you that heat without messing up the flavor

Pro Tips

1) Be careful not to marinate the shrimp for way too long because the extra lime juice can make them mushy if they sit around too much
2) Make sure your grill is really hot before you start cooking the shrimp so they get a quick, nice char and dont stick to the grates
3) When you toss your shrimp in the marinade, try not to overcrowd the grill, cause that way some shrimp might end up undercooked while others burn
4) If you like a bit more flavor, consider sprinkling a little extra cilantro or a pinch of salt at the end, but dont go overboard or it might overpower the lime and garlic flavors