Easy Copycat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp at home with this Copycat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe. Made with a simple marinade of olive oil, cilantro, and lime juice, the shrimp are pan-seared for a flavorful and juicy result. Perfect for adding to tacos, burritos, salads, or pasta, with no preservatives or additives.
BYOS: Flavor Without the Fire!
Love bold flavors but not the heat? Spice things up on your own terms with this BYOS recipe bursting with deliciousness. All the ingredients are prepped for easy digestion and a heartburn-free experience. Adjust the spice level to your preference—no more burnt tongues or tears here! Now, everyone can enjoy this recipe regardless of their spice tolerance!
Why You’ll Love This Costco-Inspired Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe
- Quick and Easy: A simple marinade and quick pan-sear make this recipe easy and fast to prepare.
- Fresh, Clean Ingredients: Made with olive oil, cilantro, and lime juice, without any preservatives.
- Restaurant-Quality Results: You’ll get that perfectly juicy, flavorful shrimp right in your own kitchen.
- Versatile Dish: Great for tacos, salads, pasta, or even burritos—perfect for any meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting copycat Costco cilantro lime shrimp:
Shrimp: You can substitute the succulent shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even a firm white fish like cod or tilapia.
Olive Oil: Swap olive oil with avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted butter for a different flavor.
Fresh Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t your preference, you can use fresh parsley, chives, or basil for a unique twist.
Lemon Juice: Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a stronger citrus flavor, or use orange juice for a slightly sweeter taste.
Cumin: You can omit the cumin or replace it with a dash of chili powder if you like more spice.
Garlic Clove: You can omit the garlic clove and only use garlic powder. I prefer to combine both garlic powder and garlic clove for enhanced flavor.
Black Pepper: Feel free to use white pepper instead of black pepper for a milder flavor, or omit it if you prefer less heat.
How Do You Make My Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe
Step 1. Prepare the Shrimp
If you’re using frozen shrimp, you’ll need to thaw it first. You can leave it in the fridge over night or soak the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes. Do not soak in warm or hot water as it can start to cook the shrimp. Drain the shrimp, spread them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, and roll them up to remove excess water.
Spread the dried shrimp on a cutting board and generously sprinkle with coarse sea salt on both sides..
Step 2. Prepare the Marinade
Combine the olive oil, chopped cilantro, lime juice, crushed garlic clove, cumin, garlic powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss the shrimp in the marinade.
You can put a lid on the bowl and let the shrimp soak in the marinade in your fridge for several hours. Or, you can cook the shrimp right away.
Step 3. Cook the Shrimp
Place a large skillet over high heat and let it get hot. Add 1 tablespoon of light olive oil to the pan.
Add the marinated shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and drizzle with additional lime juice. Allow the shrimp to rest for 10-15 minutes to soak in all the juices before serving.
Cilantro Shrimp with Lime Recipe Notes
- Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh or frozen raw shrimp for the best results. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat them dry before marinating.
- Marinating Time: Marinating the shrimp for about 10 minutes allows the flavors to infuse without making the shrimp tough. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acid from the citrus can start to “cook” the shrimp.
- Skillet Selection: Use a large skillet to ensure that the shrimp sear evenly without overcrowding the pan. This promotes a nice sear and prevents the shrimp from becoming soggy. I prefer to use a cast-iron frying pan.
- Cooking Shrimp: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while searing. They cook quickly, so 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat should suffice. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery and less flavorful.
- Cilantro Lime Marinade: Adjust the amount of garlic and citrus in the marinade according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount, and vice versa.
- Tortilla Warming: Warm the tortillas just before assembling the tacos for the best texture. You can quickly heat them in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven, depending on your preference.
- Garnishes: Don’t hesitate to get creative with garnishes. Chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese can add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- With tacos: Serve the shrimp in warm tortillas with fresh avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
- Over pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta and a light garlic butter sauce for a quick dinner.
- In a burrito bowl: Add to a burrito bowl with rice, beans, avocado, and salsa for a flavorful meal.
- On a salad: Serve on top of a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a cilantro lime dressing.
Do you love healthy Mexican-inspired food? Check out more of my easy and delicious recipes:
Easy Copycat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw peeled deveined shrimp
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (or juice from 1 lime)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- dash pepper
Instructions
- If you're using frozen shrimp, you'll need to thaw it first. You can leave it in the fridge over night or soak the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes. Do not soak in warm or hot water as it can start to cook the shrimp. Drain the shrimp, spread them on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, and roll them up to remove excess water.
- Spread the dried shrimp on a cutting board and generously sprinkle with coarse sea salt on both sides.
- Combine the olive oil, chopped cilantro, lime juice, crushed garlic clove, cumin, garlic powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss the shrimp in the marinade.You can put a lid on the bowl and let the shrimp soak in the marinade in your fridge for several hours. Or, you can cook the shrimp right away.
- Place a large skillet over high heat and let it get hot. Add 1 tablespoon of light olive oil to the pan.Add the marinated shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and drizzle with additional lime juice. Allow the shrimp to rest for 10-15 minutes to soak in all the juices before serving.
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