If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and creamy freshness, this Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines juicy shrimp tossed in zesty chili and lime spices with a luscious, smooth avocado crema that adds the perfect cooling balance. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends at a dinner party, this recipe’s vibrant taste and colorful presentation will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it as convenient as it is delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the secret behind the incredible flavor of this dish. Each component is carefully chosen to enhance the taste, texture, and vibrant color of your Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe, making the cooking process both straightforward and rewarding.
- 1 lb raw, peeled fresh shrimp: Opt for fresh or properly defrosted shrimp for the juiciest, most tender bite.
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder: This adds a smoky warmth and mild heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Just enough to season the shrimp and bring out all the natural flavors.
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic lends a pungent depth that complements the tangy lime.
- 1 medium lime: Both juice and zest brighten up the shrimp with a refreshing citrus punch.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps marinate and crisps the shrimp perfectly when cooked.
- 1 small/medium avocado: The star of the crema, providing creamy texture and mellow flavor.
- 1/8 cup Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the avocado crema.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the crema with its herbal fragrance.
- 1 medium lime (for crema): More citrus to keep the avocado crema light and zesty.
- 1/2 tsp salt or more to taste (for crema): Balances the richness of the avocado.
- 1/4 cup water or more (for crema): Used to thin out the crema for just the right consistency.
How to Make Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by creating the flavorful marinade that gives the shrimp its signature chili lime kick. In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, salt, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and olive oil. Pat your peeled shrimp dry to ensure they soak up every bit of the marinade. Place the shrimp in a bowl or zip lock bag, pour in the marinade, and toss to coat evenly. If you have the time, let this rest for about 30 minutes—this allows the shrimp to absorb the vibrant spices fully. If you’re in a rush, you can skip the marinating step and still get amazing flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, lay down the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink, curl up, and cook through. Remove promptly to avoid overcooking which can make shrimp rubbery. Trust me, perfectly cooked shrimp is tender and juicy, the foundation of this recipe’s success.
Step 3: Prepare the Avocado Crema
While the shrimp are cooking, grab your blender or food processor and pop in the avocado, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, juice of a lime, salt, and some water. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. The water helps reach a silky, pourable texture—just add it gradually until you hit that perfect consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed. This crema is where creaminess meets zesty brightness, making it an irresistible topping or dip for your chili lime shrimp.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once shrimp are cooked and your avocado crema is ready, it’s time to assemble! You can either drizzle the rich avocado crema directly over the warm shrimp or serve it on the side as a luscious dip. This flexibility means you can customize each bite just how you like it. The vibrant colors of coral shrimp against the pale green crema make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or thin slices of red chili peppers adds a burst of color and texture that takes your Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe to the next level. A few lime wedges on the side invite guests to add an extra splash of citrus for brightness. If you have some crunchy tortilla strips or toasted pepitas, those add great crunch! Garnishes make your presentation pop and excite the palate before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile when it comes to pairing sides. White or cilantro-lime rice provides a simple, satisfying base to soak up every bit of sauce. Alternatively, crispy corn tortillas transform this into a fantastic taco filling. For lighter fare, a fresh green salad or grilled veggies complement the zesty shrimp without overwhelming the flavors. Don’t forget a chilled glass of your favorite white wine or a cold cerveza to enhance the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Try serving the shrimp over a bed of fluffy quinoa or coconut-infused rice. Or plate it as a colorful shrimp bowl with black beans, corn salsa, and pickled red onions. For a casual take, serve the shrimp skewered with avocado crema drizzled over the top – perfect for parties. The Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe is flexible enough to adapt to formal dining or laid-back gatherings with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and avocado crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep well for up to two days, maintaining their texture and flavor. The avocado crema may brown slightly but stirring it before serving will refresh its creamy texture. Make sure to keep the crema chilled to preserve its freshness and taste.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp is possible but can affect texture slightly. If you plan to freeze leftovers, store the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag and consume within one month. Avocado crema does not freeze well because the texture becomes grainy and watery upon thawing, so it’s best to make it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to prevent toughness. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve juicy texture. The avocado crema is best served cold or at room temperature, so don’t reheat it—just give it a quick stir before serving if it has thickened in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating to ensure even flavor absorption and perfect cooking.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the avocado crema?
If you’re dairy-free or don’t have Greek yogurt, try using a dairy-free yogurt or even sour cream for a similar creamy texture and tang.
Is the chili powder very spicy?
The chili powder used here is mild to medium in heat, mostly adding smoky warmth rather than overpowering spiciness. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I make the avocado crema ahead of time?
You can make it a few hours in advance and keep it covered tightly in the fridge, but for the freshest flavor and color, it’s best made shortly before serving.
What’s the best way to serve this dish for a party?
Serve the shrimp on skewers with the avocado crema on the side for dipping or drizzled. Offer some warm tortillas and fresh veggies so guests can build their own tacos or bowls.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe a try because it truly is a winner that brings together fresh, bold flavors and creamy comfort in the best way. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for entertaining, and the balance of zesty shrimp with rich avocado crema never gets old. Once you taste it, I’m betting it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation, just like it is in mine!
Print
Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This vibrant Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema recipe combines succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty chili lime mixture, pan-cooked to perfection, and served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal in just 30 minutes, this dish balances spicy, tangy, and smooth flavors for a crowd-pleasing seafood experience.
Ingredients
For the Chili Lime Shrimp
- 1 lb raw, peeled fresh shrimp
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium lime (juice only)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Avocado Crema
- 1 small/medium avocado
- 1/8 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 medium lime (juice only)
- 1/2 tsp salt or more to taste
- 1/4 cup water (plus more as needed to thin)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, salt, minced garlic, fresh lime juice from one medium lime, and olive oil to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Pat dry the peeled shrimp with paper towels. Place the shrimp in a zip lock bag or medium bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for approximately 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. If short on time, this step can be skipped.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through. Remove the shrimp promptly from the heat to avoid overcooking.
- Make the Avocado Crema: Add the avocado, Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice from the second medium lime, salt, and 1/4 cup of water to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste and add water one tablespoon at a time if the crema needs thinning.
- Serve: Plate the cooked shrimp and either drizzle the avocado crema on top or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the shrimp enhances flavor but can be skipped if time is limited.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor in both the shrimp and crema.
- Adjust chili powder amount based on your preferred spice level.
- The avocado crema can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; cover tightly to prevent browning.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a vegan or dairy-free alternative.
