If you are on the hunt for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors while remaining refreshingly light, you are going to adore this Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe. The tangy lime and smoky chili powder create a perfect dance on the succulent shrimp, beautifully balanced by a silky, cool avocado crema that adds a creamy finish you’ll want to savor bite after bite. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that hits all the right notes whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself on a weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients list keeps it straightforward but packs serious flavor. Each component plays its role, whether it’s the chili powder adding a smoky touch or the fresh lime juice waking everything up with bright acidity.
- 1 lbs raw, peeled fresh shrimp: Choose fresh or fully defrosted shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder: Provides that smoky, mildly spicy kick that defines the dish.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the shrimp perfectly.
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fragrant pungency that complements the shrimp wonderfully.
- 1 medium lime: Fresh lime juice brightens the marinade and makes the shrimp pop.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps distribute the marinade evenly and keeps shrimp moist during cooking.
- 1 small/medium avocado: The creamy base for the luscious avocado crema.
- 1/8 cup Greek yogurt: Adds a slight tang and creaminess to the avocado crema.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Brings fresh herbal notes to the crema and the dish overall.
- 1 medium lime (for crema): Zesty addition to brighten up the avocado crema.
- 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste for crema): Balances the flavors in the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup water (or more as needed for crema): Adjusts the crema’s consistency to silky smooth perfection.
How to Make Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Begin by combining chili powder, salt, minced garlic, juice from one medium lime, and olive oil in a small bowl. This marinade is where the magic starts, infusing the shrimp with bold, smoky, and bright flavors. Pat your shrimp dry if you’ve defrosted them, then toss them in the marinade, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to soak in all those delicious notes. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip the marinating step, but the flavor depth really shines when given a chance to meld.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet with a little vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Place the marinated shrimp in the pan, cooking them for 1-2 minutes on the first side. When you flip them, cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque—cooked just right, tender with a bit of snap. Remove from heat promptly to avoid overcooking, which can turn shrimp rubbery. The result is perfectly cooked chili lime shrimp, bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Crema
While the shrimp cooks or rests, blend together the avocado, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, juice from your second lime, salt, and water. This avocado crema is unbelievably smooth and creamy with a hint of tang that balances the shrimp’s spice. Keep adding water one tablespoon at a time until you reach a luscious, drizzling consistency. Taste and adjust salt if needed. This simple sauce elevates the dish and adds a fresh, cooling element you’ll love.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the shrimp on a serving dish and either drizzle the avocado crema generously on top or serve it on the side for dipping. You can’t go wrong either way. This dish looks vibrant and inviting—a perfect centerpiece for any casual meal or celebration.
How to Serve Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe even more irresistible, sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro or freshly sliced green onions on top. A few thin lime wedges on the side invite diners to squeeze in additional bursts of freshness. For an extra touch of texture and heat, a scattering of toasted pepitas or a dash of smoked paprika can bring delightful contrasts.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, complementary sides. Think fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp mixed green salad, or even some warm, buttery corn tortillas if you want to turn it into tacos. Light roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad with a touch of chili powder also suit the flavors perfectly and keep the meal balanced and tasty without overwhelming the shrimp and crema.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or family gathering, consider serving your Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe in mini lettuce cups or on small tostadas for a fun handheld option. You can also skewer the shrimp for quick grilling and dollop the avocado crema on top as a fancy sauce. Presentation is a great way to elevate this humble yet vibrant dish and make it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover shrimp or avocado crema, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Shrimp will keep well for up to two days, while avocado crema might darken but will still taste lovely if covered well with plastic wrap pressing against the surface to prevent oxidation.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp is possible, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze the shrimp, place them in a sealed freezer bag without the crema. Avocado crema is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well because the texture becomes watery and loses its creamy richness.
Reheating
Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through; avoid overheating, which leads to toughness. Serve with fresh avocado crema rather than reheating the sauce. If you want to use leftover crema, give it a quick stir and add a touch of water or lime juice to refresh it before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly as long as you fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the marinade’s flavors.
Is this dish spicy?
The chili powder provides a mild heat that can be adjusted by using more or less according to your taste. The avocado crema also helps to cool and balance any spiciness.
Can I make the avocado crema vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream, and you’ll still have a luscious, creamy sauce that complements the shrimp beautifully.
How long do I need to marinate the shrimp?
Ideally, 30 minutes is perfect to let the flavors soak in, but if you’re short on time, it’s okay to marinate for as little as 10 minutes or even skip marinating entirely for a quicker option.
What other proteins work well with the avocado crema?
This avocado crema pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even roasted vegetables. It’s a versatile sauce that adds a creamy, tangy touch to many dishes.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration with every bite. It’s fresh, flavorful, and fantastically easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without the fuss. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy the explosion of taste and texture that this recipe brings to your table!
Print
Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This flavorful Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema recipe combines tender shrimp marinated in a zesty chili lime mixture, cooked quickly in a skillet, and served with a creamy avocado yogurt sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect dish for a light and refreshing meal packed with bold flavors and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lbs 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
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, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Chili Lime Shrimp: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, salt, minced garlic, lime juice, and olive oil to create the marinade. Pat dry the defrosted shrimp and place them in a zip-lock bag or medium bowl. Pour the marinade over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for about 30 minutes for maximum flavor, or skip this step if short on time.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil to coat the pan. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on one side until they turn pink and slightly charred, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and opaque. Remove the shrimp promptly from heat to avoid overcooking.
- Make the Avocado Crema: Place the avocado, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and water into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the Dish: Drizzle the avocado crema over the cooked shrimp or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the shrimp is optional but enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh shrimp for best results; if using frozen, thaw and pat dry before marinating.
- You can adjust the chili powder quantity for more or less heat depending on your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or skip it entirely.
- The avocado crema can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day; stir before serving.
