You know, I have really been on a cilantro kick recently! I didn’t always like cilantro, however. I found it to be an incredibly over-powering flavor and never used it in my dishes. It’s funny how tastes change, though. I tried cilantro on this jalapeno tomato and cilantro pizza and couldn’t get enough. I started trying it on other things, like cilantro lime black bean salad, and this weeks sweet potato salad. Needless to say, I’m hooked! This recipe, quick cilantro garlic seared shrimp is a weeknight favorite because shrimp cook in a flash!
The sauce on these shrimp is addicting! Try using it in other ways. I have put it on corn on the cob and roasted potatoes. Both were delicious. You could blend it into a sauce for a bowl meal, or use it to marinade other proteins. It could even work as a pizza sauce! Thinking up new ways to use this sauce is making me hungry!
Tips and tricks for the Quick Cilantro Garlic Seared Shrimp recipe:
- You want to have a hot pan so the shrimp will sear and not steam. This lets the shrimp caramelize a little and increases the salty, seafood-y flavors.
- I only use half of the sauce as a marinade so that you can use the other half to the cooked shrimp! This lends more bright garlic and cilantro flavors that make the dish taste so fresh!
- If you are uncertain about cooking your shrimp thoroughly, don’t use more time in the skillet (especially one that’s hot). This will make the shrimp rubbery. Remove from the skillet and let them rest, the heat will continue to cook the shrimp for another couple of minutes without negative effects on texture.
- 1 lb shrimp (26-28 medium), peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup minced cilantro
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp salt, divided
- ¼ tsp each: red pepper flake and black pepper
- 1 TBS olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- In a large bowl, cover shrimp with water. Mix in ¼ tsp salt. Let rest for 15 minutes. This will help your shrimp to taste like they are fresh out of salt water!
- Meanwhile combine cilantro, garlic, remaining salt, red pepper flake, black pepper, olive oil and lime juice. Divide in half.
- Drain shrimp and pat with a paper towel to dry them so the marinade will not be diluted. Less water will also help you get a better sear. Mix shrimp with one half of the cilantro mixture. Let this Marinade for 10 minutes.
- Preheat a heavy bottomed skillet over medium high heat. When hot enough to make a splash of water sizzle, dump in about half of the shrimp and spread out into an even layer. Cooking in batches is necessary so that all the shrimp can lay flat in the skillet. Cook until you can start to see the edges of the shrimp turning pink (30 seconds to a minute). Flip them over and cook until completely opaque, about 1 more minute. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Mix cooked shrimp with remaining cilantro sauce. Serve immediately.
I am drooling right here! 😀 I love quick meals, but so good… and this one is one of those meals I am sure I would gladly enjoy! TThanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday party!
I agree, totally drool worthy, Thanks Jhuls!
This recipe has got all my favourite ingredients in it, love shrimp prepared this way:) #Fiesta Friday
I totally agree, Thanks Monika!