Mexican · Quick Meals

Chili Lime Shrimp

Shrimp tossed in chilli, paprika and garlic, seared in a hot pan and finished with lime juice, zest and cilantro. Four servings in 16 minutes.

Not yet ratedThis recipe has no ratings yet 16 min total Serves 4 servings Easy
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Storing and Planning Ahead

Best eaten straight away. Keeps in the fridge for up to 1 day; eat cold in a salad.

Making Chili Lime Shrimp

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  1. Pat the shrimp dry and toss them with the chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika and salt.

  2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Cook the shrimp in a single layer for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, until browned, then turn and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more.

  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the lime juice and zest.

  4. Scatter with the cilantro and serve straight away.

A Few Pointers

  • Use a pan big enough to hold the shrimp in one layer, or cook in two batches.
  • If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne with the other spices.
  • Defrost frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight and pat them dry before cooking.

Behind the Recipe

Shrimp, chilli, lime and cilantro: that is the whole list, plus a little garlic and oil. The shrimp are tossed in the spices, seared for about 3 minutes a side and finished with lime juice and zest in the same pan. Dinner takes 16 minutes.

Dry shrimp sear; wet shrimp steam. Pat the shrimp dry before the spices go on, and cook them in a single layer in a very hot pan. Do not move them for the first minute; they release from the pan when the underside is browned. Take them off the heat as soon as they curl into a loose C, because overcooked shrimp are rubbery.

Lime juice goes in off the heat, so it stays bright. Serve over cauliflower rice, in lettuce cups or with a simple green salad. It is best straight away. A pinch of cayenne in the spice mix turns the heat up. Lime zest adds the oils from the peel, which juice alone lacks.

Serving Ideas

Cauliflower rice · Lettuce cups · A green salad

Changing the Recipe

  • Lemon is the everyday swap for lime in this kind of dish — the acidity plays the same role even though the flavour is not identical.
  • An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.

Chili Lime Shrimp FAQ

How long does Chili Lime Shrimp take to make?

About 16 minutes in total — 10 minutes of preparation and 6 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 4.

What are the key tips for making Chili Lime Shrimp?

Use a pan big enough to hold the shrimp in one layer, or cook in two batches. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne with the other spices. Defrost frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight and pat them dry before cooking.

What should I serve with Chili Lime Shrimp?

Cauliflower rice; Lettuce cups; A green salad.

How should Chili Lime Shrimp be stored?

Best eaten straight away. Keeps in the fridge for up to 1 day; eat cold in a salad.

Is Chili Lime Shrimp suitable for a special diet?

This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, weight-loss friendly, low-carb, keto and no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.

How many calories are in Chili Lime Shrimp?

About 148 kcal per serving, with 25 g protein, 3 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.

Chili Lime Shrimp Nutrition Facts

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.

148Calories
25gProtein
3gCarbs
4gFat
1gFibre
0gSugar
350mgSodium

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Written and tested by Turab

One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.