If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, fresh, and totally crave-worthy dish, look no further than this Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe. It perfectly balances the zesty kick of chili powder and lime with the creamy, cooling avocado crema, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, these shrimp burst with flavor and delightful textures that leave you wanting more. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for easy, delicious meals that feel like a mini celebration every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe shines because of its simple but powerful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the shrimp provide tender, juicy protein, the chili powder and lime juice bring bold flavor and brightness, and the avocado crema adds a silky smooth finish that keeps everything perfectly balanced.
- 1 lbs raw, peeled fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp ensures a succulent bite that’s key to this dish’s appeal.
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder: Adds a toasty, smoky heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Elevates and balances all the other flavors in the marinade.
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic delivers an aromatic punch that complements both the shrimp and crema.
- 1 medium lime: Fresh lime juice brightens and adds tangy zest to anchor the flavors.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps coat the shrimp evenly and aids in a perfect sear.
- 1 small/medium avocado: The creamy star of the avocado crema that softens the spiciness.
- 1/8 cup Greek yogurt: Adds tang and creaminess while keeping the crema light.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Injects fresh herbal notes that bring balance and color.
- 1 medium lime: Additional lime for the avocado crema enhances the flavor harmony.
- 1/2 tsp salt or more to taste: Adjusts the crema seasoning perfectly.
- 1/4 cup water or more: Used to thin out the crema for your preferred consistency.
How to Make Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Shrimp
Start by mixing together the marinade in a small bowl — chili powder, salt, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and olive oil. This marinade is the magic behind that irresistible tangy and slightly spicy flavor. Pat the defrosted shrimp dry to ensure they cook nicely, then toss them in the marinade. Letting them sit for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to seep in beautifully. No time to wait? No problem! Even without marinating, they’ll still taste fantastic. Heat a skillet with some vegetable oil until hot, then sear your shrimp for a quick 1-2 minutes on each side. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Be sure to remove them promptly to keep them juicy and tender.
Step 2: Whip Up the Avocado Crema
While the shrimp are marinating or cooking, blend together the avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and water until silky smooth. This avocado crema is the luscious counterpart to the spicy shrimp, cooling and smoothing out every bite in the best possible way. If the crema feels too thick, thin it out a bit more with water, adding one tablespoon at a time until you hit your ideal texture. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the salt here — it makes a big difference!
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Now for the fun part! Drizzle that creamy avocado crema over the spicy lime shrimp, or serve it alongside for dipping. The contrast between the bold, zesty shrimp and the mellow, creamy sauce is simply addictive. You’re ready to dig in and enjoy this flavor-packed dish that somehow manages to be both indulgent and refreshing at the same time.
How to Serve Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your presentation with additional fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or a dash of smoked paprika on top can add extra pop in both taste and color. These small touches elevate your Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe from tasty to restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement without overpowering. Think fluffy rice, warm corn tortillas for tacos, or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or a light quinoa salad can also add texture and flavor contrasts that make the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the shrimp and avocado crema over crispy tostadas or inside crunchy lettuce cups for a fresh, fun twist. You can also turn this dish into a vibrant bowl with a base of seasoned rice, black beans, grilled corn, and a sprinkle of queso fresco. For a lighter option, serve the shrimp over zoodles or spiralized veggies, drizzled generously with the avocado crema for an irresistible low-carb meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover shrimp and avocado crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Shrimp stays tasty for up to two days, while the avocado crema is best consumed within 24 hours to enjoy its fresh flavor and creamy texture since avocado can brown over time.
Freezing
While shrimp freeze well, the avocado crema does not hold up to freezing because of its dairy and avocado base, which can change texture and color. Freeze cooked shrimp in a sealed bag for up to three months and thaw them gently in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through to avoid rubberiness. Avoid microwaving if possible. Add fresh avocado crema after reheating to maintain its fresh, creamy consistency and bright flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure they soak up all that delicious flavor and cook evenly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili powder adds a medium level of heat, but it’s balanced out beautifully by the creamy avocado crema. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder.
Can I make the avocado crema dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or simply add extra avocado and lime juice for creaminess without the dairy.
How long can I marinate the shrimp?
Marinating for about 30 minutes is ideal to infuse maximum flavor, but avoid going over two hours as the lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp and affect the texture.
What’s the best way to serve this dish for a party?
Serve the shrimp on a large platter with bowls of avocado crema and plenty of lime wedges, along with tortilla chips or small tortillas for guests to build their own bites. It’s interactive, fun, and delicious!
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Chili Lime Shrimp with Avocado Crema Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The simplicity of fresh shrimp combined with the bold, zesty marinade and the dreamy avocado crema creates a perfect harmony of flavors that everyone will adore. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary collection. Dive in and enjoy every vibrant, creamy, tangy bite!
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: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A zesty and creamy dish featuring chili lime marinated shrimp cooked to perfection in a skillet, paired with a smooth avocado crema made from fresh avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro. This vibrant and quick recipe combines bright citrus flavors with a hint of spice in a healthy, protein-rich meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb 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
Instructions
- Marinate the 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 a medium bowl. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. If short on time, you can skip the marinating step.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet with a splash of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook on one side for 1-2 minutes until they start to turn pink. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until fully cooked through and opaque. Remove 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, adding extra water a tablespoon at a time if needed to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency. Adjust salt to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle the avocado crema over the cooked shrimp or serve it on the side as a delicious dipping sauce to complement the tangy and spicy shrimp.
Notes
- For the best flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes; however, cooking immediately will still yield tasty results.
- If fresh shrimp is not available, frozen peeled shrimp can be thawed and used.
- Adjust the chili powder amount to control the spice level according to your preference.
- The avocado crema can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; stir well before serving.
- Use vegetable oil for cooking shrimp if olive oil is not preferred for higher heat tolerance.
