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Zesty Mexican Garlic Shrimp in 15 Minutes

Zesty Mexican Garlic Shrimp in 15 Minutes

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, garlic shrimp, Mexican shrimp, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, spicy shrimp, garlic lime shrimp