We’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors of our Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe, a fresh twist on a store favorite that brings bold tastes right to your kitchen. Drawing from Costco’s high-quality shrimp, we’ve infused it with zesty lime and aromatic cilantro for a dish that’s both easy and irresistible.
This recipe captures the essence of quick weeknight meals without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for busy families who crave restaurant-quality results at home. We’re confident you’ll enjoy how simple ingredients transform into something truly special.
Ingredients
In our Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe, we carefully select fresh, high-quality ingredients to capture the vibrant zest of lime and the aromatic punch of cilantro, ensuring a quick and flavorful meal for busy families.
To prepare this dish, we organize the ingredients in the order they are used, starting with the base components. Here’s our detailed list:
- 1 pound of large shrimp from Costco, peeled and deveined for easy cooking and optimal texture.
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil, used for marinating to enhance the shrimp’s succulence and promote even searing.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced, added next to infuse a robust, aromatic base that complements the citrus notes.
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, finely chopped, incorporated for its bright, herbaceous flavor that defines the dish.
- 2 limes, juiced and zested, providing the tangy acidity that balances the richness of the shrimp—use about 1/4 cup of juice.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, for a subtle earthy spice that elevates the overall profile without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt, to season and draw out the natural flavors of the seafood.
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground, for a mild heat that rounds out the marinade.
These measurements yield approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for family dinners. For nutritional highlights, we summarize key details in the table below:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 | 13% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 15g | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values may vary slightly based on specific brands and preparation.
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe seamlessly after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a few key tools and equipment that ensure precise preparation and cooking. These essentials help us achieve vibrant flavors and textures with efficiency, making the process straightforward for home cooks.
Here’s a detailed list of the required items, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Skillet or Frying Pan: A 10- to 12-inch non-stick or stainless-steel pan is ideal for quickly searing the shrimp over medium-high heat, locking in juices and developing a golden crust.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Use a sturdy wooden or plastic board paired with a sharp knife to finely chop garlic and cilantro, ensuring even distribution of flavors in the dish.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring olive oil, lime juice, and spices like ground cumin and salt, which helps maintain the recipe’s balance of zesty and aromatic notes.
- Microplane or Zester: Perfect for grating fresh lime zest, adding a burst of citrus aroma that elevates the overall taste of our Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for combining the marinade ingredients, such as lime juice, cilantro, and garlic, before coating the shrimp.
- Tongs or Spatula: Heat-resistant tongs for flipping the shrimp during cooking, preventing breakage and ensuring even browning.
- Garlic Press (optional): If preferred, this tool crushes garlic cloves efficiently, releasing maximum flavor without the need for fine chopping.
By having these tools ready, we can transition smoothly from prepping ingredients to cooking, resulting in a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing our Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp step by step, using the fresh ingredients and tools we’ve outlined to deliver a vibrant, zesty dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep
First, we gather and prepare the ingredients for efficiency. Start by rinsing 1 pound of large shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—ensuring they sear perfectly later. Next, mince 2 cloves of garlic finely on the cutting board and chop 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves coarsely, releasing their aromatic, earthy scent that will infuse the dish. Zest 2 limes using a microplane to yield about 1 tablespoon of zest, then juice the limes to get 1/4 cup of juice, capturing the bright, tangy essence that defines this recipe.
Marinate
We create a flavorful marinade to enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, whisking until the mixture forms a vibrant, herbaceous blend. Add the prepared shrimp to the bowl, tossing them gently to coat evenly, then let them marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature—the citrus notes will penetrate the shrimp, promising a burst of zesty lime and aromatic cilantro flavors in every bite.
Cook
With the shrimp marinated, we move to cooking for a quick, restaurant-quality sear. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the marinated shrimp in a single layer—avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, their edges slightly charred for a smoky contrast, and the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma of sizzling garlic and cilantro. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking, preserving the tender, juicy texture.
Serve
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein (g) | 24 |
| Fat (g) | 15 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 5 |
Make-Ahead Tips
To make our Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe even more convenient for busy weeknights, we recommend preparing certain elements in advance. This allows the vibrant flavors of fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and succulent shrimp to meld beautifully, ensuring a quick assembly when you’re ready to cook. By planning ahead, we can deliver a restaurant-quality meal in minutes without compromising on taste or texture.
Prepping Ingredients Early
We suggest starting with the foundational components to save time:
- Chop and measure herbs and aromatics: Mince the garlic and chop the fresh cilantro up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their aromatic punch, which enhances the dish’s bold, herbaceous notes.
- Prepare the marinade: Combine olive oil, garlic, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl ahead of time. This mixture can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, allowing the flavors to intensify for a more zesty and dynamic profile when you marinate the shrimp.
Marinating and Storing the Shrimp
For optimal results, we can marinate the shrimp in advance to let the spices penetrate deeply:
- Toss the 1 pound of large shrimp in the prepared marinade and seal in a resealable bag or container.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours to achieve tender, juicy results without over-marinating, which could affect the shrimp’s texture.
If you’re storing longer, here’s a quick reference for safety and quality:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Up to 24 hours | Maintains freshness; shrimp stays firm and flavorful. |
| Frozen (marinated) | Up to 1 month | Freeze in an airtight bag; thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. |
Reheating and Final Cooking
When it’s time to enjoy, we can quickly revive the dish:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, locking in that irresistible citrusy aroma.
- For make-ahead meals, avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent rubbery texture—opt for the stovetop to keep the shrimp succulent and full of flavor.
By incorporating these tips, we ensure our Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp stays effortless yet exceptionally delicious, perfect for family dinners on the go.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring this Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe with you, as it’s a simple way to bring bold flavors to our everyday meals. It’s perfect for those busy nights when we want something quick yet satisfying.
By trying this dish, we’ll discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality results at home, boosting our family’s nutrition without the fuss. Let’s make it a staple in our kitchens for its fresh taste and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a quick, flavorful recipe using high-quality shrimp from Costco, combined with lime, cilantro, and spices. It’s designed for busy families, offering a restaurant-quality meal at home that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant tastes.
What ingredients are needed for Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
You’ll need 1 pound of large shrimp, olive oil, garlic, fresh cilantro, lime juice and zest, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. These simple ingredients yield about 4 servings and take just minutes to combine for a delicious, healthy dish.
How do I prepare Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Start by rinsing and drying the shrimp. Mix a marinade with olive oil, garlic, cilantro, lime zest, juice, cumin, salt, and pepper, then toss in the shrimp and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Total time: under 30 minutes.
How long does it take to cook Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
The entire recipe, including prep and cooking, takes about 20-30 minutes. Marinate the shrimp for 10-15 minutes, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
What are the nutritional benefits of Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Each serving has approximately 250 calories, 24g of protein, and provides key vitamins from fresh ingredients like lime and cilantro. It’s a healthy, low-calorie option that’s high in protein and suitable for balanced meals.
Can I make Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, chop herbs and prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance, or marinate the shrimp and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze marinated shrimp for up to a month, then cook on the stovetop when ready.
How many servings does the Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe make?
The recipe yields about 4 servings, making it ideal for family dinners. Each portion is nutritious and satisfying, with adjustments possible for larger groups by scaling ingredients.