“Succulent cilantro-lime flavored shrimp”
What is Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Whoever came up with the bright idea to combine cilantro and lime is a genius. It is one of the most beautiful things every created. I used this combination to create my version of cilantro lime shrimp. It’s simply marinated shrimp, which can be cooked in a skillet on the stove top, or the grill.
Preparing Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Ingredients needed
- Large or jumbo shrimp (peeled deveined, tail-on)
- Cilantro
- Lime
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Kosher salt
- Crushed red pepper
- Black pepper
- Sugar
- Grapeseed oil
- Butter (Stove top only)
- Bamboo skewers (optional)
Marinade
Prepare the marinade by using a food processor or the blender. It consists of cilantro, lime, red onion, garlic, kosher salt, crushed pepper, black pepper, sugar and grapeseed oil.
Do not marinate the shrimp longer than 30 minutes. If the shrimp marinates too long, the acidity of the lime will cook the shrimp. This, will result in the shrimp being rubbery in texture.
Stove Top
If using a stove top, I recommend using a cast iron skillet or a cast iron griddle/grill. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet on hand, then any skillet will work. Heat it over medium-high heat, and add the oil and butter. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side.
Char or Gas Grill
When using a char or gas grill, heat it to at least 375 degrees F, but don’t let it get hotter than 425 degrees F. Butter is not required for this cooking method. Place the shrimp directly on the grill. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side.
Are Bamboo Skewers Needed?
Bamboo skewers are not required. However, using them does make the cooking process a little easier. Especially, on the grill because it holds the shrimp together, which will make them easier to flip, and will keep them from falling within the grill.
If you decide to use the skewers, soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes before using. This will keep the skewers from burning during the cooking process.
Switch it Up!
The good thing about these shrimp, is the fact that they versatile. They can be eaten as an appetizer, or by themselves. Also, cilantro-lime rice, and/or black beans are also good choices for side dishes. But, one of my favorites is using these shrimp to make tacos. Yes, cilantro lime shrimp tacos are very good. You will make them by preparing the shrimp the same way, but making a taco out of them instead.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1/2 bunch or 1 ounce cilantro
- 1 cup red onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- juice from two limes
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
- 1 tsp. sugar
- grapeseed oil for stove top instructions only
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter for stove top instructions only
- 1 – 1.5 lbs. jumbo or large shrimp peeled, deveined, tail-on
- bamboo skewers optional
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, add the first eight ingredients. Turn on food processor, and starting with 1 tbsp., add oil until consistency is creamy. I normally find myself needing about 3 tablespoons total.
- In a bowl, add this mixture to your shrimp. Using a spoon, stir mixture until shrimp until all shrimp fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes.
- If using bamboo skewers, place shrimp on skewers. Should be able to get 5-6 shrimp on each skewer.
Stove top instructions
- Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, and add about 1 tbsp. of grapeseed oil and 1 tbsp. of butter.
- Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 1-2 minutes on others side. Shrimp should be pink in color with a light sear. Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.
Char or gas grill instructions
- Preheat grill to 375 – 425 degrees.
- Place shrimp directly on grill. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.
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