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Mexican Garlic Shrimp

Mexican Garlic Shrimp

Mexican Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic sauce infused with zesty Mexican spices. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining, delivering a light, healthy, and satisfying meal with vibrant, authentic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime (about 2 tbsp)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for extra spice

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp if necessary. Mince your garlic and finely chop the fresh cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice and measure your spices so everything is ready to go once you start cooking.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning it.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, seasoning with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in the garlic-infused oil.
  4. Add Lime and Cilantro: Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Toss everything lightly to combine, letting the flavors meld.
  5. Serve Immediately: Serve your Mexican Garlic Shrimp hot, either on its own or alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete, delicious meal.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp ensures tender texture and best flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly—once pink and opaque, remove from heat to avoid rubbery bites.
  • Balance Acidity: Adjust lime juice based on your taste to avoid overpowering the garlic’s richness.
  • Skip the Shells: Peeling shrimp beforehand saves time and lets spices penetrate better.
  • Preheat Your Pan: A hot skillet helps achieve a nice sear and caramelization on the shrimp.

Nutrition

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