Description
Zesty Mexican Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful and vibrant dish ready in just 15 minutes. This quick recipe features perfectly cooked shrimp sautéed with fresh garlic, lime juice, and authentic Mexican spices, delivering a tangy, spicy, and garlicky meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a delicious, healthy dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp and ingredients: Peel and devein your shrimp if not already done. Mince the garlic finely, chop fresh cilantro, and juice the limes. Having all ingredients ready beforehand ensures a smooth and quick cooking process.
- Heat the oil and sauté garlic: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Cook the shrimp with spices: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add lime juice and finish cooking: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and toss to combine. Let it cook for an additional minute to absorb the citrus flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides to enjoy the full burst of zesty, garlicky flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature shrimp to ensure even cooking without overcooking the outside.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in batches if necessary to get a nice sear.
- Fresh lime juice is essential for the best bright, fresh acidity—avoid bottled lime juice.
- Adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes gradually to your preference.
- Serve immediately to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: shrimp, garlic shrimp, Mexican shrimp, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, spicy shrimp, garlic lime shrimp
