The Best Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe

This mouthwatering Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe is full of delicious, fresh, garlicky flavor and takes just minutes to make! It’s an instant favorite and the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Cilantro Lime Marinade

This cilantro lime marinated shrimp is so unexpectedly delicious that it’s almost unbelievable. But it’s real, thank goodness, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy shrimp. What’s the secret to this unbelievable shrimp? Well, the fresh, zesty, citrusy marinade/dipping sauce, of course! Super easy to make, you’ll need a small food processor (or blender) and simple ingredients, including garlic, cilantro, fresh lime, Worcestershire sauce, shallots, dried oregano, paprika, and crushed red pepper. Marinate the shrimp for 10 minutes (yes, that’s it!), then cook them using your favorite method – in a sizzling skillet, indoor griddle, or grill. All methods take about 5 minutes.

Use unused marinade as a dipping sauce, dressing, or drizzled-over tacos. You can also use leftover unused marinade to make cilantro lime chicken! Another mouthwatering family favorite.

Ingredients in Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Below are descriptions of the key ingredients needed to make this Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe, including possible substitutions. You can find the printable recipe with measurements for each ingredient in the recipe card below.

• Shrimp – I prefer fresh, wild-caught shrimp (20-25 count) that are peeled and deveined (tail on or off is up to you). If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry with paper towels before marinating.
• Cilantro – Fresh chopped cilantro.
• Limes – This recipe includes the juice from two fresh limes. For a deeper lime flavor, consider adding the zest of one lime. Concentrated, bottled lime juice doesn’t compare and isn’t recommended. Fresh lemon juice will work in a pinch.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire sauce adds umami flavor and helps distinguish the cilantro from the lime. 
• Garlic– If you’re sensitive to garlic, start with 2-3 cloves.
• Shallots– Spicy, without actually being spicy, they are a great way to add onion flavor without adding a whole entire onion. Substitute with half a small white onion or half a jalapeño (for extra kick).
• Seasoning: This recipe includes dried oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.

How to make Cilantro Lime Shrimp

1. Prepare the Marinade/Sauce. In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add two tablespoons of olive oil, cilantro, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, shallots, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth, then season with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice to taste.

• Tip: The texture of your cilantro lime marinade is up to you. I try to process mine so that it ends up somewhere in the middle, creamy and chopped to bits, but not so smooth and creamy that it looks like a smoothie.

2. Marinate the shrimp. To avoid contaminating the entire batch of cilantro lime marinade/sauce with raw shrimp, place approximately two tablespoons of the marinade in a clean bowl. Add the fully thawed and pat dry shrimp and mix well to coat. Cover and place the remaining marinade in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, marinate the shrimp for as little as 5 minutes but no more than 30 minutes.

3. Cook the shrimp:

• Sauté: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the pan’s surface. When the pan and oil are hot, add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding. After 1-2 minutes (max!), flip the shrimp and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
• Grill: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 350°F to 450°F (177°C to 232°C), then brush the grill grates clean and oil them to prevent sticking. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp. Grill the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side.

How Do You Know When Shrimp is Fully Cooked?

The most obvious sign that your shrimp are fully cooked is when they turn pink and opaque. The flesh should be firm to the touch. Shrimp will shrink as they lose water during cooking. Generally, you can expect medium-sized shrimp to take 2-3 minutes per side on the grill or in a pan to cook through.

What to serve with Cilantro Lime Shrimp

• With sides: Make it a complete meal with a side of Mexican rice, Coconut Rice, or Cilantro Lime Rice. All pair well with the bold flavors of the marinade. Mexican Black Beans are another great side, and fruit salsas like this Mango Salsa.
• As an add-in: I love adding these shrimp to this Chopped Salad or wrapping them in a warm tortilla with shredded cabbage, guacamole, and more sauce, of course!

Leftovers and Reheating

To store leftovers, transfer the shrimp to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Freezing is not recommended. Store leftover sauce in an airtight jar or container for 3-4 days.

Reheat leftovers in a skillet set over medium-low heat until just warmed through or in the microwave at 30-second intervals.