15-Minute Chili Lime Shrimp with a Smoky Spice Rub
This Chili Lime Shrimp is an easy weeknight 15-minute dinner with a smoky spice rub, a lime finish, and quick stovetop or grill cooking.
Servings: 4 People
Calories: 121kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 lime (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
- Place them in a medium bowl and toss with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and lime zest until evenly coated (reserve the lime juice to add at the end).
- Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to heat up thoroughly before adding the shrimp to ensure a flavorful sear.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque, curled into a loose C shape, and lightly charred.
- Now pour the fresh lime juice over the hot shrimp and toss gently to coat for 30 seconds. And stir in the chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat shrimp very dry, coat in a bold chili-lime spice mix, then sear in a very hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly charred and juicy.
- Easy swaps: Avocado oil can be replaced with canola or grapeseed oil; cilantro can be swapped with parsley; ancho chili powder adds a sweeter depth if preferred.
- Adjust heat simply: Skip cayenne for mild, use ¼ teaspoon for medium, or double it and add chili flakes for a real spicy kick.
- Storage & reheating: Keep in the fridge for 2–3 days in an airtight container; reheat gently in a skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes, or enjoy cold in salads.
- Best ways to serve: Pile into tacos, spoon over rice or quinoa, or toss into grain bowls with avocado, mango salsa, or greens for an easy meal prep win.
Nutrition
Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 942mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 551IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg
