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
Scale
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.
