Spicy Seared Jumbo Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro Recipe
This Spicy Shrimp recipe features jumbo shrimp pan-seared with warm, bold spices including smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. The shrimp turn out tender and juicy, perfect as an appetizer with a cool dipping sauce or served atop a vibrant rice bowl loaded with beans, salsa, diced veggies, and fresh cilantro. Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is a quick, flavorful seafood option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Spicy Shrimp
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or fresh parsley)
For the Rice Bowl
- White or cilantro rice
- Black beans
- Freshly chopped red onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Mango or regular salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mix: In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, cayenne red pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix the spices evenly and set aside.
- Marinate the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the prepared spice mixture until all shrimp are well coated.
- Heat the skillet and sauté garlic: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil for about 1 minute then add the finely minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the spiced shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning carefully to cook evenly until shrimp are opaque and slightly caramelized.
- Finish with lime and cilantro: Remove the skillet from heat and toss the cooked shrimp with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the spicy shrimp as an appetizer with a cooling dipping sauce or build a shrimp rice bowl topped with white or cilantro rice, black beans, red onions, diced tomatoes, mango salsa, and the seasoned shrimp.
- Storage: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Fresh shrimp is preferred for best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp works fine too; peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp offer convenience and great results.
- Grilling is a wonderful alternative cooking method to add smoky flavor; thread shrimp on skewers and grill until cooked through.
- For quick cooking, you can broil the shrimp on a baking sheet for 2–3 minutes per side, giving them an intense high heat finish.
- Pan-searing with a little oil over medium-high heat is a fast and easy way to cook shrimp, creating a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender.
