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Chili Lime Shrimp Meal

Chili Lime Shrimp Meal

Enjoy a zesty and vibrant Chili Lime Shrimp Meal that is quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors. This dish features succulent shrimp marinated in lime juice, zest, and chili powder, then quickly cooked to tender perfection. It’s a healthy, fresh, and versatile dinner option ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, and pairs well with rice, salads, or tacos.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Marinade

  • 1 lb peeled and deveined fresh shrimp
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse your shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear and prevent steaming during cooking.
  2. Mix the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  3. Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a medium bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to coat evenly and let marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors without cooking the shrimp.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove shrimp from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top. Serve immediately with your preferred sides such as rice, salad, or tortillas.

Notes

  • Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice and zest to maximize vibrant flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly—remove promptly when pink to keep them tender.
  • Marinate Briefly: Keep marination around 10 minutes to avoid acid ‘cooking’ the shrimp prematurely.
  • Even Cooking: Arrange shrimp in a single layer for uniform cooking and browning.
  • Adjust Heat: Modify chili powder amount to control spiciness; add cayenne or jalapeños for more heat if desired.

Nutrition

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