Why You’ll Love Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe
Chili Lime Shrimp brings bright citrus flavor and just the right amount of heat to tender shrimp. It’s a fast, healthy meal that’s easy to prep and versatile enough for tacos, salads, rice bowls, or served straight from the grill.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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¼ cup lime juice
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1 tablespoon lime zest (zest of 1 lime)
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½ teaspoon salt
Directions
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Preheat your grill to medium‑high heat (about 400°F) or heat a sauté pan on the stove.
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In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and spices to create the marinade.
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Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (no more than 45 to avoid over‑acidic breakdown).
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Thread the shrimp onto skewers, or place them directly on the grill grates or in a heated pan.
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Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and firm.
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Remove from heat and serve with your favorite sides like rice, salads, or tacos.
Servings and timing
Serves about 2 (each serving ~4 oz shrimp)
Prep Time: ~5 minutes
Cook Time: ~10 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Variations
• Pan‑seared version: If you don’t have a grill, cook the marinated shrimp in a sauté pan with a little oil for 3–4 minutes on each side.
• Different proteins: This marinade also works well on chicken, salmon, or steak.
• Tacos or bowls: Serve with fresh pineapple salsa, avocado, or over cauliflower rice for a low‑carb option.
Storage/Reheating
• Storage: Refrigerate leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan or toaster oven. Shrimp can dry out if overheated, so a quick warm‑through is best.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate for at least 10 minutes and no longer than 45 minutes to avoid the lime juice starting to “cook” the shrimp.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — just fully thaw the shrimp before marinating and cooking.
What size shrimp is best?
Medium to large shrimp work best for grilling so they don’t overcook or fall through the grill grates.
Can I bake chili lime shrimp?
Yes, you can bake shrimp at high heat (about 425°F) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once.
What can I serve with chili lime shrimp?
Serve with rice, grilled veggies, salads, in tacos, or over cauliflower rice.
Is this recipe gluten‑free?
Yes — this shrimp recipe uses naturally gluten‑free ingredients.
Can I add more spice?
Absolutely — increase chili powder or add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates and ensure it’s fully preheated before adding the shrimp.
Can I use lime juice substitute?
Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can mix the marinade ahead and refrigerate, then add shrimp shortly before cooking.
Conclusion
Chili Lime Shrimp is a bright, quick, and versatile dish that fits into many meals — from tacos to salads and grilled dinners. With minimal prep and big flavor, it’s a dependable go‑to recipe any night of the week.
Chili Lime Shrimp
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- Author: Mia
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chili Lime Shrimp recipe is a quick, healthy dinner or appetizer packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s gluten free, paleo, and ready in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the marinade. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with optional cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they only need a few minutes per side.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and can be served hot or cold.
- Perfect for tacos, salads, or served with rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
