This Chili Garlic Lime Shrimp is one of my favorite quick and flavorful dishes. The shrimp gets seared with a bold blend of garlic, chili, and fresh lime juice, creating a punchy, zesty combo that works perfectly with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe comes together in just minutes but delivers huge flavor. It’s spicy, citrusy, and savory—everything I want when I need something exciting for dinner without a ton of effort. It’s also easy to customize based on how much heat or lime flavor I’m craving.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic, minced
- Red chili flakes or fresh chili (adjust to taste)
- Lime juice and zest
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
directions
- I pat the shrimp dry and season them with salt, pepper, and lime zest.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, I heat olive oil or butter and add the garlic and chili flakes. I cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- I add the shrimp to the pan and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re pink and cooked through.
- I squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and toss to coat.
- I garnish with cilantro or green onions and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 and takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
Sometimes I add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce for an umami twist. If I want more depth, I include ginger or a pinch of smoked paprika. For a milder version, I use sweet bell peppers instead of chili.
storage/reheating
I store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 30 seconds at a time until heated through. I avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, I thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sear well.
How spicy is this dish?
It depends on how much chili I use. I can start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Absolutely. I thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side.
What should I serve with this shrimp?
I like it with rice, quinoa, noodles, or over a crisp green salad with avocado.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It tastes best fresh, but I sometimes prep the marinade and clean the shrimp ahead to make it quicker.
Conclusion
Chili Garlic Lime Shrimp is my go-to when I want something quick, spicy, and full of zesty flavor. Whether I’m tossing it over rice or tucking it into tacos, it always hits the spot with minimal effort.
Print
Chili Garlic Lime Shrimp
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chili Garlic Lime Shrimp is a quick and zesty dish packed with bold flavor. Juicy shrimp are seared in garlic, chili, and fresh lime juice, making them perfect for rice bowls, tacos, noodles, or salads. A spicy, citrusy favorite ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½–1 tsp red chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, minced (adjust to taste)
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and lime zest.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil or butter.
- Add garlic and chili flakes; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the pan and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
- Squeeze lime juice over the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Garnish with cilantro or green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust chili quantity based on your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce, fish sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or salad—or stuff into tacos!
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender.
- Optional honey or sugar balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
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