Description
A zesty and flavorful Chili Lime Shrimp recipe paired with a creamy avocado crema, perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Shrimp is marinated in chili powder, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil, then cooked quickly in a skillet. The avocado crema, made with avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime, and seasoning, adds a refreshing and smooth contrast, making this dish vibrant and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chili Lime Shrimp
- 1 lb raw, peeled fresh shrimp
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium lime, juiced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Avocado Crema
- 1 small/medium avocado
- 1/8 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 medium lime, juiced
- 1/2 tsp salt or more to taste
- 1/4 cup water or more (to thin, as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, salt, minced garlic, lime juice from 1 medium lime, and olive oil. Stir until well mixed to create the shrimp marinade.
- Marinate the shrimp: Pat dry the peeled shrimp with paper towels. Transfer shrimp to a zip lock bag or medium bowl. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, making sure all pieces are evenly coated. Let sit for approximately 30 minutes to absorb flavors. If short on time, you may skip marinating.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and slightly opaque. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from heat promptly to avoid overcooking.
- Make the avocado crema: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice from 1 medium lime, salt, and 1/4 cup water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste, and add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time if you need to thin the crema.
- Serve: Drizzle the avocado crema over the cooked chili lime shrimp or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or defrosted shrimp for best results; patting dry is essential for proper marinade absorption.
- Adjust chili powder and salt according to your heat and taste preference.
- If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt for a different twist.
- The avocado crema can be thinned out with water or lime juice to suit your desired consistency.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal.
