If you’re on the hunt for a fast, flavorful, and downright show-stopping seafood dish, Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp is your answer! Picture super plump shrimp tossed in a marinade of fresh lime, vibrant cilantro, and a whisper of honey, all roasted until juicy and irresistible. With its zesty notes and fresh herbal punch, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple technique and restaurant-worthy flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight supper or a festive meal with friends, Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp always has a place at the table—and in your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such a handful of everyday ingredients can deliver so much flavor and color. Every component is essential, adding a different splash of freshness, richness, or brightness to the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need for your Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp:
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show! Opt for raw, large shrimp; their size ensures they stay juicy in the oven and soak up flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Brings a luxurious texture and helps carry all those flavors into every bite.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers deep, aromatic notes that make the marinade wonderfully savory.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances out the lime’s acidity and adds just a kiss of sweetness.
- Lime (zest and juice of 1): The zest packs a punch of citrus oils, while the juice makes the shrimp tangy and bright.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds that signature herbal freshness and a lovely confetti of green.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle earthiness that plays so well with lime and cilantro.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out and amplifying every flavor.
- Lime wedges (for serving): Spritzing over at the end sends the flavors over the top.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by cranking up your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature strikes the ideal balance: hot enough to quickly roast the shrimp without drying them out. Having the oven preheated means the shrimp bake up perfectly juicy and tender every time.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, honey, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper. Don’t skim on the whisking! You want everything blended so each shrimp gets bathed with bold, even flavor. This marinade is where Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp gets its signature magic—fresh, zesty, and a touch sweet.
Step 3: Toss the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp directly into your bowl of marinade. Use clean hands or a spatula to toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Let them sit for a couple of minutes if you’ve got time—just enough for the marinade to work its way into every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish
Transfer the marinated shrimp to a baking dish, making sure to keep them in a single, even layer. Pour any remaining marinade right on top! This step ensures the shrimp roast, not steam, picking up those gorgeous roasted edges while staying tender inside.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp curl into little C-shapes and turn a vibrant pink with a touch of golden brown. Keep an eye on them—the difference between perfectly cooked and overdone shrimp is just a minute or two!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and immediately shower with extra chopped cilantro. Serve Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp right away, with lime wedges on the side for everyone to add a juicy squeeze at the table. The burst of fresh lime at the end really makes the dish sing.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp
Garnishes
Nothing dresses up Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp like a shower of fresh cilantro and a few vibrant lime wedges. If you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of flaky sea salt or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can make your plate pop both visually and in taste. These tiny extras really elevate the simple flavors and add a little sparkle to your final presentation.
Side Dishes
This shrimp is wonderfully versatile! Pile it over fluffy jasmine or cilantro-lime rice, tuck it into warm tortillas for zesty tacos, or lay it atop a crisp green salad for a lighter option. Grilled corn, roasted sweet potatoes, or a quick mango salsa also make fantastic companions, creating a meal that feels fresh and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or dinner guests, try threading the shrimp onto skewers before baking for fun finger food. Or arrange the baked shrimp on a platter surrounded by crunchy jicama or cucumber sticks for a colorful appetizer. You can even give Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp a tropical twist by serving it over pineapple salsa for a punchy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), keep Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually settle in a bit, making for a delicious next-day snack or lunch addition. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature for too long to keep everything safe and fresh.
Freezing
While shrimp is generally best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp for up to one month. Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a bag—this helps prevent clumping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, not at room temperature, to preserve their juicy texture.
Reheating
To gently rewarm Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp, pop them onto a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make shrimp a touch rubbery. Served cold, they’re also fantastic in salads or wraps!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. Removing extra moisture ensures the marinade clings to the shrimp and they roast up beautifully.
How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?
Keep a close eye on the oven, as shrimp cook fast. They’re done once they curl into a C-shape and turn pink. Even going a minute or two beyond this can dry them out, so set a timer and check on them early.
Is there a substitute for cilantro?
If cilantro’s not your thing, try using fresh parsley for a mellow, grassy note, or even a mix of parsley and a pinch of mint for something different. The dish will still be vibrant and delicious.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, half a minced jalapeño, or a little hot sauce into the marinade to give your Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp an extra kick. Make it as fiery as you’d like.
What kind of shrimp works best?
Large, raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal—they’re easy to eat and soak up the marinade perfectly. If using smaller shrimp, reduce the cook time by a couple of minutes to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp as I am to share it with you! It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to brighten up your table with every zesty, herby bite. Whether you’re new to cooking shrimp or just want something easy yet special, give this recipe a whirl—you might just have found your new seafood favorite!
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Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cilantro Lime Baked Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. The combination of zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and savory shrimp creates a delicious and light meal that pairs well with rice, tacos, or a refreshing salad.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, honey, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss until well coated.
- Bake: Arrange the shrimp in a baking dish, pour any remaining marinade over the top, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with extra cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Great served over rice, in tacos, or with a fresh green salad.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
