Easy Copycat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp
You will love this easy copycat Costco cilantro lime shrimp recipe for juicy, tangy & deliciously versatile shrimp. They’re tossed in a simple marinade with olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, a clove of garlic, cumin, salt and pepper. Then they’re quickly pan seared to juicy perfection and ready to be served with tacos, pasta, salad, and more!
Enjoy restaurant-quality results in your kitchen with my copycat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe. It starts with a simple marinade with olive oil, cilantro, lime juice, and a few seasonings. And then you’ll feel like a professional chef as you quickly pan-sear the shrimp, making them super tasty on the outside and juicy on the inside. Then your incredibly delicious and versatile shrimp are ready to be added to pasta, tacos, burritos, or salad.
This easy copycat Costco cilantro lime shrimp recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious dish without any overcooked shrimp. The simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful main course that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of succulent shrimp, and the zesty cilantro lime marinade makes it a good option for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe has all the delicious flavor of the Costco original but with clean ingredients and without any sugar or preservatives.
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
- You only need a few simple ingredients.
- It is super easy to make for an impressive result.
- The flavor-rich ingredients make it taste amazing!
- All the ingredients are easily digestible for a gentle tummy.
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.
- Serving Suggestions: While the recipe suggests using corn tortillas, you can serve the shrimp with beans over rice, in a salad, or even as a filling for a wrap.
- Meal Timing: If serving for a special occasion or gathering, consider prepping the components ahead of time and assembling the tacos just before serving to ensure the best taste and presentation.
- Enjoy Fresh: While this dish can be stored, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh to fully savor the flavors and textures of the succulent shrimp and zesty cilantro lime marinade.
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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