This cilantro lime shrimp is the perfect light and easy dinner that is packed with fresh flavors. With a little bit of Mexican flare, this flavorful shrimp can be turned into so many dishes - cilantro lime shrimp tacos, served with rice bowl (or cauliflower rice for a low carb option), lettuce wraps, or even a shrimp salad.
This recipe is made all in one pan and it takes only 15 minutes to get on the table. That makes it an easy weeknight dinner that also happens to be a crowd pleaser. You'll be wishing it was Taco Tuesday every night!
If you're looking for more delicious recipes made with shrimp, I recommend my lemon garlic shrimp pasta or this delicious shrimp and chicken fried rice.
Ingredient Notes
This easy shrimp recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and it's both gluten free and dairy free.
- Jumbo Shrimp - I recommend using fresh large shrimp, but if you prefer frozen shrimp make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before preparing the recipe. Peel and devein shrimp, but leave the tails attached. You can substitute smaller shrimp if you prefer, but you may need to adjust the cook time.
- Fresh Limes - You cannot substitute bottled lime juice in this recipe - it just won't be the same. Make sure to use fresh lime juice and zest for the best lime flavor.
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Not Dairy Free - use unsalted butter in the same measure.
- Add Wine - Add a splash of white white when cooking the shrimp to enhance the flavor.
- Make it Creamy - Add 2 Tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut cream to finish the dish with a creamy sauce.
How to Make Cilantro-Lime Shrimp
This is one of our favorite shrimp recipes for busy weeknights. And since it only uses one pan, the cleanup is a breeze!
STEP 1: Pat the deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to a pan over medium-high heat. Then add in the shrimp in a single layer and cook until opaque, 2-3 minutes. If your skillet isn't large enough, cook the shrimp in batches.
STEP 2: Add the garlic, lime zest, tarragon, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
STEP 3: Reduce the heat and add in the remaining butter, lime juice and fresh cilantro. Stir well to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Expert Tip
To get a good sear on the shrimp, make sure to pat them dry before adding them to a hot pan.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheat in a pan over low heat with a little water or broth to keep the shrimp from getting rubbery.
More shrimp recipes to try:
If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
Recipe
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound Raw Shrimp peeled and de-veined with tails left on
- 4 Tablespoons Vegan Butter divided
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Lime Zest
- ½ teaspoon Dried Tarragon
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice from 1 lime
- ¼ Cup Cilantro chopped, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Add one tablespoon of butter to a large skillet over medium heat.1 pound Raw Shrimp, 4 Tablespoons Vegan Butter
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns opaque.
- Add garlic, tarragon, lime zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute.2 cloves Garlic, ½ teaspoon Dried Tarragon, 1 teaspoon Lime Zest, ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- Turn down the heat and add the remaining butter, lime juice, and cilantro. Toss shrimp in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.2 Tablespoons Lime Juice, ¼ Cup Cilantro
- Serve with lime wedges and more cilantro, if desired. Enjoy.
Notes
Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.
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