Ingredients
- Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder (adjust for spice level)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- ⅛ teaspoon sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Optional:
- Zest of 1 lime (for extra zing)
- Drizzle of honey (for a subtle sweetness balance)
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasonings.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over low heat if serving with rice or medium heat if making tacos or lettuce wraps. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink, curled into a “C” shape, and cooked through (about 4–9 minutes). Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become chewy.
- Add Lime and Cilantro: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately stir in the lime juice, chopped cilantro, and optional lime zest. For a touch of sweetness to balance the spice, add a drizzle of honey.
- Serve: Serve the spicy chili lime shrimp with rice, or use it to fill tacos or lettuce wraps. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- For Extra Heat: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the seasonings.
- For a Smokier Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Sweet & Spicy: For a bit more sweetness, try adding a tablespoon of orange juice along with the lime juice.
- Serve With: These shrimp are great with a side of avocado slices, corn salsa, or creamy cilantro dressing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 236
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
