If you’re craving a vibrant, zesty dish that bursts with flavor and freshness, the Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together succulent shrimp perfectly seasoned with a chili-lime marinade and a luxuriously creamy avocado crema that adds a subtle tang and smooth texture. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its beautiful balance of spice, citrus, and richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you; each element plays a vital role in creating the bold, bright, and creamy flavors that make this dish stand out. From the fresh shrimp to the creamy avocado and punchy lime juice, every component is essential to achieving that perfect harmony in every bite.
- 1 lbs raw, peeled fresh shrimp: Choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and taste.
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder: This adds a smoky warmth without overpowering the shrimp.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant punch of savoriness to the marinade.
- 1 medium lime: Both the juice and zest give the dish its iconic zesty brightness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the shrimp cook evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 small/medium avocado: The star of the crema, providing creaminess and subtle buttery notes.
- 1/8 cup Greek yogurt: Adds tang and helps create a silky texture in the avocado crema.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbaceous lift that complements the shrimp fantastically.
- 1 medium lime (for crema): Juice brightens up the avocado crema with refreshing acidity.
- 1/2 tsp salt or more to taste: Essential for seasoning the avocado crema properly.
- 1/4 cup water or more: Used to thin out the avocado crema to your preferred consistency.
How to Make Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Shrimp
Start by combining the chili powder, salt, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lime juice, and olive oil in a small bowl to create a vibrant marinade. If using frozen shrimp, pat them dry thoroughly to ensure the marinade sticks beautifully. Toss the shrimp in the marinade, coating each piece evenly, then let them mellow and soak up all those warm, spicy flavors for around 30 minutes. If time is tight, feel free to skip the marinating step—your shrimp will still be delicious! When ready, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a dash of vegetable oil. Cook the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook, as shrimp become rubbery quickly. Once cooked, remove from heat promptly to lock in juiciness.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Crema
While your shrimp are cooking, bring together the creamy element that makes this dish truly special. Into a blender or food processor, place the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This luscious avocado crema is the perfect cool counterpart to the spicy shrimp, adding richness and a refreshing tang.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
The final flourish is up to you! Drizzle the avocado crema generously over the warm chili lime shrimp or serve it alongside as a dip. Either way, the combination is irresistible, marrying the smoky heat of the shrimp with the silky, zesty crema. It’s a colorful, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly.
How to Serve Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can turn this dish from simple to sensational. Fresh lime wedges are a must, inviting everyone to add an extra burst of citrus. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds bright, herbal notes, while some thinly sliced red onion or radishes can introduce a delightful crunch. For those who like it spicy, a sprinkle of chili flakes or diced fresh jalapeño pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve the chili lime shrimp and avocado crema over a bed of fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice for a filling meal. For a lighter option, pair it with a vibrant green salad or grilled vegetables. Crispy tortilla chips work wonders for scooping up every last bit of that luscious avocado crema, turning it into a festive appetizer or casual snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Create shrimp tacos by piling the chili lime shrimp and avocado crema into warm corn or flour tortillas. Add a crunchy cabbage slaw for contrast. Alternatively, turn this dish into a colorful rice bowl with black beans, corn, avocado slices, and a drizzle of extra crema. Presentation can be as fun as it is delicious—make it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe, store the shrimp and crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay delicious for up to two days, but avocado crema is best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, the avocado crema does not freeze well due to its creamy texture and tendency to brown. If you plan to freeze, store the marinated shrimp separately in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook fresh. Prepare the avocado crema fresh a day before serving for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat the cooked shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes to avoid drying them out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly. Always add the avocado crema fresh after reheating to keep its bright, creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade adhere better and results in juicier, more flavorful shrimp.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the avocado crema?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative works well too. They all add that lovely tang and creaminess needed to balance the avocado’s richness.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili powder adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. You can always adjust the amount of chili or add fresh jalapeño if you want more spice, or tone it down for milder palates.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Mix the marinade with the shrimp just before cooking for the freshest flavor.
What are some ways to make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegan or vegetarian version, swap the shrimp for grilled tofu or roasted cauliflower florets. Use a plant-based yogurt in the avocado crema and follow the same marinade process for bold flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe—the way the tangy lime and smoky chili powder enliven the shrimp, balanced perfectly by the creamy, fresh avocado crema. It’s a dish that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. I encourage you to give it a try and savor the bright, fresh tastes that just might become a new go-to in your recipe collection!
Print
Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This vibrant Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema recipe combines zesty, spicy shrimp with a creamy, tangy avocado sauce for a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish marries fresh shrimp marinated in chili powder and lime with a smooth avocado crema made from Greek yogurt and cilantro, creating a delicious balance of heat and coolness.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lbs raw, peeled fresh shrimp
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 medium lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Avocado Crema
- 1 small/medium avocado
- 1/8 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 medium lime
- 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup water (or more as needed)
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, salt, minced garlic, lime juice, and olive oil to form the marinade. Pat dry the defrosted shrimp, then place them in a zip lock bag or medium bowl. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the shrimp marinate for approximately 30 minutes to infuse flavors. If short on time, this step can be skipped.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little vegetable or olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly charred, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from heat promptly to avoid overcooking.
- Prepare the avocado crema: Combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and water in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste and add water one tablespoon at a time if a thinner consistency is desired. Transfer the crema to a small bowl.
- Serve: Drizzle the avocado crema over the cooked shrimp or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Enjoy this fresh, tangy, and spicy dish immediately.
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes, but it can be cooked immediately if needed.
- Use fresh lime juice for the most vibrant taste.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat level.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative to make the avocado crema vegan.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
