Description
Mexican Garlic Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp with aromatic garlic and bold Mexican spices. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for quick dinners or impressive appetizers, with a healthy, protein-packed profile and simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb medium-sized fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Mince the garlic cloves finely, chop the cilantro, and squeeze fresh lime juice. Having all ingredients ready ensures a smooth and fast cooking process.
- Heat the Olive Oil: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when the shrimp hits the pan for the perfect sear.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the shrimp. Cook each side for about 2 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque with slight caramelized edges.
- Add Garlic and Lime: Push the shrimp to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic to the empty side. Sauté the garlic briefly until fragrant but not burnt. Mix the garlic with the shrimp, then drizzle the lime juice on top while tossing everything together to combine flavors evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the shrimp. Serve immediately while warm and bursting with flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Adjust lime juice and spices to suit your personal taste.
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding shrimp to get a good sear.
- Have garlic minced and cilantro chopped before starting to cook for a smooth process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 6-7 shrimp)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg