Cilantro Lime Shrimp

All-star shrimp recipe, tossed in the best roasted garlic and herb sauce! Cilantro Lime Shrimp makes the perfect shrimp appetizer or a delicious addition to pasta for dinner. The standout garlic sauce elevates this dish, providing a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this dish on busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The roasted garlic and fresh cilantro create a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the shrimp beautifully.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as an appetizer or serve it over pasta for a satisfying main course.
• Healthy Option: Low in carbs and high in protein, this dish fits well into various dietary plans.
• Customizable: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily substitute with fresh basil, parsley, or mint.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Cilantro Lime Shrimp, gather your tools and get ready for some cooking fun!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill
• Aluminum foil
• Serrated knife
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked shrimp.
• Aluminum foil: Keeps the garlic moist while roasting, enhancing its flavor.
• Serrated knife: Ideal for trimming the top off the garlic head without crushing it.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 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)
• 1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp (pre-peeled thawed frozen shrimp work well)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature is perfect for roasting the garlic until tender.

Step 2: Roast the Garlic

Use a serrated knife to trim the top off the whole head of garlic. Expose the cloves but keep them intact. Set it on a large sheet of foil, drizzle generously with olive oil, and wrap securely. Roast in the heated oven for about 10 minutes or until slightly tender and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly.

Step 3: Process the Garlic

Once cool enough to handle, peel and crush or chop the roasted garlic as finely as possible. The more finely you chop it, the better it will blend into your sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the roasted garlic with chopped 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 your cast iron skillet, grill, or indoor griddle over high heat. Pat shrimp dry, then season with kosher salt and black pepper. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over them and toss gently. Arrange on your preheated surface and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn just pink—usually within about 5 minutes total.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Immediately toss your grilled shrimp in that delicious roasted garlic sauce. Serve hot and enjoy this delightful dish right away!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as an appetizer or a main course, this shrimp recipe delights with its zesty flavor and aromatic sauce. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Standalone Appetizer

• Serve the shrimp on skewers for an easy-to-eat starter at parties.
• Pair with toothpicks and a small bowl of the roasted garlic sauce for dipping.

Over Pasta

• Toss the shrimp with al dente pasta and extra cilantro for a hearty meal. A splash of olive oil adds richness.
• Use spaghetti or linguine to complement the flavors without overpowering them.

In Tacos

• Fill corn tortillas with the shrimp, topped with avocado slices, shredded cabbage, and lime wedges for a fresh twist.
• Add a drizzle of sour cream or yogurt for creaminess.

With Rice

• Serve alongside fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
• Garnish with lime wedges and fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

On a Salad

• Incorporate the shrimp into a salad mix with greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a light meal option.
• Drizzle extra cilantro lime dressing over the top to enhance the taste.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Pair the shrimp with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a colorful plate.
• Season veggies lightly before grilling to keep the focus on the shrimp’s flavor.

How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Perfecting your Cilantro Lime Shrimp takes just a few simple steps. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice will elevate the flavor profile significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Don’t overcook: Cook shrimp until just pink; they cook quickly. Overcooked shrimp become tough.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of harissa based on your heat preference. Start small if you’re unsure!
• Rest before serving: Letting cooked shrimp rest for a few minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using fresh basil or parsley instead for different flavor notes.
• Make extra sauce: Always prepare more garlic sauce than needed; it makes a great dip or dressing!

Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Pairing side dishes can enhance your Cilantro Lime Shrimp experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your shrimp.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with veggies provides texture and nutrition alongside the shrimp.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the rich flavors of the roasted garlic sauce.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the zesty notes of the cilantro lime sauce beautifully.
5. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach offers a healthy green option that pairs well with seafood dishes.
6. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad brings coolness and acidity that works wonderfully against spiced shrimp.
7. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): The creamy topping adds richness, while spices bring warmth that matches well with this dish.
8. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned simply provide comfort that balances out lighter dishes like shrimp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Cilantro Lime Shrimp can be easy, but certain mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Aim for about 2 minutes per side to keep them tender and juicy.
• Using old garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. Check your garlic for firmness and avoid any that feels soft or sprouted.
• Not seasoning enough: Don’t skip salt and pepper! Proper seasoning enhances the taste of your shrimp and sauce.
• Ignoring the sauce balance: Ensure you have a good mix of flavors in your sauce. Adjust lime juice and harissa according to your taste preference.
• Using low-quality shrimp: Opt for high-quality, fresh, or properly thawed shrimp. This makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cilantro Lime Shrimp in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• For longer storage, freeze the shrimp in a sealed freezer bag or container.
• Cilantro Lime Shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place shrimp on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use medium power settings and heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Cilantro Lime Shrimp, along with their answers.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Cilantro Lime Shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well as long as they are fully thawed before cooking.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

You can substitute cilantro with fresh basil, parsley, or mint for a different flavor profile.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

Add more harissa or your favorite chili paste to increase the heat level of the sauce.

Can I serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp with pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, making it a versatile dinner option.

Final Thoughts

This Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect as an appetizer or served over pasta for dinner. Feel free to customize it by adjusting herbs or adding your favorite spices! Give this dish a try, and enjoy its delightful taste!