If you are searching for a vibrant, fresh, and absolutely mouthwatering dish that will light up your taste buds, then you have to try this Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Avocado Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe. The harmony of juicy, charred shrimp infused with bright cilantro and zesty lime flavors pairs perfectly with a creamy avocado sauce that brings a cool, luscious balance. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both indulgent and healthy, and it’s perfect for impressing guests or elevating a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from tender shrimp that soak up the citrusy marinade to fresh cilantro that gives a burst of herbaceous brightness, combined with ripe avocado that creates a creamy, dreamy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil: This keeps the shrimp juicy and helps the marinade cling beautifully.
- 1/2 cup packed cilantro, roughly chopped: Adds fresh, slightly citrusy herbal notes to the marinade and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Key for that tangy brightness that wakes up the shrimp.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 2 medium avocados (about 200 grams): For the rich, creamy texture in the dipping sauce that cools down the heat.
- 1/2 cup cilantro: Fresh cilantro in the avocado sauce ties the flavor back to the marinade beautifully.
- 1/4 cup lime juice: Adds a fresh zesty kick to the dipping sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the sauce to perfection.
How to Make Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Avocado Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Begin by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a large container or resealable bag. Add olive oil, roughly chopped cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice, ground pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until every shrimp is coated evenly. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse without the acid breaking down the shrimp texture.
Step 2: Prepare Your Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it warms up, thread the shrimp carefully onto metal skewers. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, and makes flipping a breeze.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes total, flipping once halfway through. You’ll know they’re perfectly grilled when they turn pink and are firm to the touch, delivering just the right amount of char and smokiness.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Lime Dipping Sauce
While the shrimp grills, it’s time to whip up the velvety avocado lime dipping sauce. In a blender, combine ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, which usually takes 30 seconds to a minute depending on your blender’s power. This sauce is pure magic with the grilled shrimp.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the shrimp is done, serve them immediately with a generous side of your avocado lime dipping sauce. The bright, smoky, and creamy combo will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Avocado Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add the perfect finishing touch. Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro and thin lime wedges on the plate for a pop of color and a little extra zing, inviting your guests to squeeze lime over their shrimp for added brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad, zesty quinoa, or even a cool, crunchy slaw. You can also serve it alongside rice or grilled vegetables for a heartier meal that still feels balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner or fun party platter, arrange your shrimp on a long serving tray with individual dipping bowls of the avocado lime sauce. You can even serve the shrimp tacos with warm tortillas, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of your dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and sauce separate to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Though fresh is best, you can freeze marinated shrimp before grilling. Place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the avocado lime sauce as the texture won’t hold well once thawed.
Reheating
To reheat grilled shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet or in the oven at low heat to avoid overcooking. Serve immediately with freshly made or chilled avocado lime dipping sauce for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating and grilling. This will help the flavors stick and ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to use metal skewers?
Metal skewers are preferred because they heat up quickly and help cook the shrimp evenly. If you have bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Can I make the avocado lime dipping sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce a few hours ahead of time. Just press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning, and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, fresh parsley can be a mild alternative, though it won’t replicate the exact flavor. You might also try fresh basil or mint for a different but delightful twist.
How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?
The shrimp should be opaque, pink in color, and firm but not rubbery. Overcooked shrimp can become tough, so grilling for about 5-6 minutes total is key for that ideal texture.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so joyful about the bright, fresh flavors in this Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Avocado Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but fancy enough for when you want to wow your guests. I can promise you’ll love the zing from the lime, the herbaceous pop from cilantro, and the creamy contrast of the avocado sauce. Don’t wait to try it out—you’re going to want to make this one again and again!
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Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Avocado Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe pairs succulent shrimp marinated in zesty lime juice and fresh cilantro with a creamy avocado lime dipping sauce. Perfectly grilled to tender perfection, this dish offers a refreshing, vibrant flavor ideal for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup packed cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt, to taste
Avocado Lime Dipping Sauce
- 2 medium avocados (about 200 grams)
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add shrimp to a large container or resealable bag. Pour in olive oil, roughly chopped cilantro, lime juice, ground pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While heating, thread the marinated shrimp onto metal skewers to make grilling easier and ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers directly over the heat and grill for 5 to 6 minutes total, turning once halfway through. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and feel firm to the touch, indicating they are cooked perfectly without being overdone.
- Make the Avocado Lime Sauce: While the shrimp cooks, combine ripe avocado, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, which should take about 30 seconds to a minute, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Remove shrimp from the grill and serve immediately alongside the creamy avocado lime dipping sauce for a delicious, fresh accompaniment.
Notes
- For easier grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Adjust lime juice and seasoning in the sauce according to taste preference.
- You can substitute metal skewers if preferred for a sturdier option.
- Serve with a side of rice or salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure shrimp are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
