Chili Garlic Lime Shrimp

Name: Chili Garlic Lime Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice (from 1 lime, plus more for serving); 2 garlic cloves (finely minced); 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 2 tablespoons salted butter; Fresh cilantro (finely chopped, optional)

This Chili Garlic Lime Shrimp recipe is bold, smoky, and ready to impress in just 20 minutes! Perfectly tangy and packed with flavor, these shrimp pair beautifully with all your favorite Mexican dishes like tacos, rice, bowls, or even fresh guacamole.

London’s top tip to make it a winner: The brown sugar and butter on the shrimp add a subtly sweet and rich taste that creates a harmonious blend with the bowl’s brighter components.

Chili garlic shrimp are in a cast-iron skillet with a lime wedge next to them.

This Chili Garlic Lime Shrimp recipe was inspired by a sweltering Texas evening when I needed something quick, fresh, and packed with flavor. The smoky spices, tangy lime, and touch of sweetness from brown sugar came together like magic, creating shrimp so good I’ve made them a weekly staple ever since.

What I love most is how versatile these shrimp are. Whether I’m serving them at a family dinner as the main dish (like in these Chili Shrimp Quinoa Bowls!) or turning them into an appetizer with chips and guac, they always steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 20 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit that even picky eaters can’t resist.
Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
Bursting with Flavor: Every bite is packed with a delicious balance of sweetness, spice, and a little buttery richness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, you can jump to the recipe.

Shrimp, lime, oil, butter, and seasonings are the main ingredients for chili garlic lime shrimp.

Shrimp: If you’re fortunate enough to live down south and can get your hands on some fresh Gulf shrimp—please do! They make all the difference in the world. Look for larger shrimp (about 21/25 count per pound). You can leave the tails on or remove them, depending on how you want the final presentation to look.
Lime: A hint of lime juice balances out the boldness of the other ingredients beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work as a substitute if needed.
Spices: A simple blend of chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper makes up the seasoning mix.
Sugar: Yes, you heard me right. A touch of brown sugar is the secret ingredient here! It adds a lovely caramelization to the shrimp and balances the bold flavors of the spices perfectly.
Butter: Salted butter provides that final component—a rich, savory umami flavor. Oil can be substituted if needed, but opt for a mild one like avocado oil to keep the flavors balanced.

Frozen Shrimp Substitution

Fresh Gulf shrimp are ideal, but frozen shrimp work too. Thaw completely and pat dry to help the marinade stick and prevent excess moisture.

How to Make Chili Lime Shrimp

Jump to the recipe for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.

Shrimp is marinated with a chili garlic lime sauce. — Marinate the shrimp.

Chili garlic lime shrimp are cooked in a cast iron skillet. — Marinate the shrimp.

Marinate the shrimp. Stir together the avocado oil, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the shrimp and gently toss well to combine. Let the shrimp marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
Cook the shrimp. Place 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet and melt it over medium heat. Spread the shrimp in a single layer, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp is done when they are no longer translucent and the tails curl. Serve with some fresh cilantro.

Marinating Tip

Keep the marinating time between 15 and 30 minutes. Any longer, and the lime juice can start to affect the shrimp’s texture.

Shrimp is seasoned with a chili garlic lime marinade and cooked in a cast iron skillet.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to help the flavors stick and prevent excess moisture during cooking.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn opaque and pink, and their tails curl into a “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery—2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet is usually enough for large shrimp. If you’re unsure, cut into one; the inside should no longer be translucent.

Is there a substitute for brown sugar?

You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar. Just note that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Garlic powder works as a great substitute. Use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic called for in the recipe.

How do I make this recipe less spicy?

To tone down the heat, reduce the chili powder or skip it entirely. You can also serve the shrimp with a cooling side like avocado or sour cream to balance the spice.

Can I cook the shrimp on the grill instead of in a skillet?

Yes! Grilling adds a delicious smoky char. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers or use a grill basket and cook for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat.