Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe: The Perfect Appetizer!

Looking for a fast and flavourful seafood appetizer?  Our Chili Lime Shrimp recipe is the perfect blend of zesty citrus, subtle heat, and buttery goodness. As chefs, we know the importance of balancing flavours, and this dish strikes that balance beautifully. It's versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or over rice or pasta for a satisfying main course. Plus, it's incredibly easy and quick to prepare—perfect for impressing family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen!  This has been a tried & true recipe in our roster for over 10 years!  Note that the butter is added LAST to give extra shine & sauciness!

Ingredients

• 2 lb EZ-peel shrimp, peeled with tail on
• 1 small shallot, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (or to taste) chili garlic paste, like this one!
• 1 lime, juiced and zested
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Place the peeled shrimp on a plate lined with a paper towel. This will help absorb excess moisture, allowing the shrimp to caramelize properly when cooked.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Preheat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. It’s important the pan is large enough to hold the shrimp in a single layer; otherwise, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even caramelization.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Drizzle about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of neutral oil (grape seed or vegetable oil work well) into the pan. Add the shrimp and season generously with kosher salt. Let the shrimp cook undisturbed on one side until they begin to caramelize, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Flavor

Flip the shrimp over and immediately add the shallots, garlic, chili garlic paste, and lime juice. Toss and shake the pan to evenly distribute the ingredients while the shrimp finish cooking, about 1-2 minutes more.

Step 5: Finish with Butter

Once the shrimp are fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter and fresh herbs. Shake the pan to emulsify the butter into a silky sauce that coats the shrimp. Serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

• Shrimp size matters: Large shrimp (16-20 per pound) work best in this recipe. They’ll hold up well to the high heat and stay juicy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you try to cook too many shrimp at once, they’ll steam instead of caramelizing. Take your time and cook in batches if necessary.
• Butter finishing: Adding the butter off-heat prevents it from breaking and ensures a smooth, luscious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Chili Lime Shrimp is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, over a bed of rice, or toss it with your favourite pasta for a simple yet elegant meal. These delicious shrimp will make a fantastic start to a taco too!