Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that bursts with flavor and is ready in just 20 minutes? Meet the Spicy Garlic Cilantro Shrimp – a vibrant Mexican-inspired recipe that combines succulent shrimp with the zesty kick of lime and the aromatic punch of garlic and cilantro. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a quick weeknight meal, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy. Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that will leave you and your guests begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and prevents steaming.
- In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a marinade.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, gently tossing to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated. Let marinate for 5-7 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully add marinated shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until they turn pink and develop a light golden color.
- Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until they are completely opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking, which can make shrimp tough and rubbery.
- Garnish with additional fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Tips
- Prep Your Ingredients: To streamline the cooking process, gather and prepare all your ingredients before you start. This ensures a smooth cooking experience and allows you to focus on achieving the perfect flavor.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it infuses the shrimp with the delicious garlic, cilantro, and lime flavors, making every bite irresistible.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in batches if necessary will help achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and prevent steaming.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly! Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes just 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the shrimp hot off the skillet. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh touch that elevates the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 94kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 55mg
