The bright flavors of garlic, fresh lime, and cilantro paired with tender shrimp make this dish a weeknight winner you’ll crave again and again. A splash of white wine creates a lightly tangy sauce that’s perfect for mopping up with crusty bread or spooning over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, satisfying meal. This Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp Skillet is incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days while still feeling like a special seafood treat. The crushed red pepper flakes add just the right kick, and the freshness of lime and cilantro keeps the dish light and bright, ideal for summer or when you want a clean, refreshing dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
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1/2 cup white wine
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2 tbsp lime juice
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Lime wedges for serving
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they start turning pink.
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Pour in the white wine and lime juice, bring to a simmer, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until shrimp are cooked through.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in fresh cilantro.
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Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 13 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Discover the Vibrant Flavors of Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp
Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp is a dish that perfectly captures the essence of coastal freshness while remaining quick and accessible for everyday cooks. Combining the juicy tenderness of shrimp with the bright acidity of lime, the fragrant richness of garlic, and the subtle depth of white wine, this dish transforms a simple seafood dinner into a vibrant, restaurant-quality experience at home.
Whether you are a busy professional looking for quick yet healthy meals, a seafood lover seeking fresh flavors, or a home cook trying to expand your weeknight dinner repertoire, Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp will bring excitement to your table with minimal effort.
The Story Behind Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp
This recipe draws inspiration from coastal cuisines around the world, where fresh seafood, citrus, and herbs are fundamental components of daily meals. The “drunken” aspect refers to the white wine used in cooking the shrimp, infusing the dish with subtle complexity and an aromatic finish that elevates the flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Pairing garlic and lime with shrimp is a timeless approach in many cultures, particularly in Caribbean, Latin American, and Southeast Asian kitchens. These ingredients balance one another beautifully, creating a dish that feels light yet satisfying.
Why Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp Is a Must-Try
1. Quick and Easy for Busy Days
In today’s fast-paced world, recipes that are quick without sacrificing flavor are highly valuable. Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp can be made in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when you want a wholesome, fresh meal but are short on time.
2. Light Yet Satisfying
The dish is naturally low in carbohydrates while providing a good dose of protein, making it an excellent choice for those who are mindful of their nutrition. Despite its lightness, the dish is satisfying due to the savory, zesty sauce that coats the shrimp, leaving you full without feeling heavy.
3. Bursting with Fresh Flavors
The brightness of lime juice, the sharpness of garlic, and the herbaceous lift from cilantro bring layers of freshness to every bite. These elements are balanced by the depth of white wine, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting.
4. Flexible for Different Lifestyles
This recipe fits into various dietary lifestyles, including gluten-free, pescatarian, low-carb, and Weight Watchers-friendly eating plans. You can easily pair it with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, or serve it alongside a crisp salad for a complete meal.
5. Perfect for Entertaining
While Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp is easy enough for a casual dinner, it is also impressive enough to serve to guests at dinner parties or gatherings. Its vibrant colors and aromatic appeal will make it a conversation starter while allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal
With Rice or Quinoa: Spoon the shrimp and its sauce over warm jasmine rice, brown rice, or fluffy quinoa to soak up the tangy, garlicky sauce.
With Cauliflower Rice or Zoodles: For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, making it light yet deeply satisfying.
As Tacos: Transform the shrimp into tacos by serving them on warm corn tortillas with avocado slices, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of lime crema.
As a Salad Topper: Add the shrimp over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced avocados for a refreshing, protein-packed salad.
With Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to dip into the flavorful sauce for a rustic, comforting meal.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp
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Use Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh, large shrimp whenever possible, but thawed frozen shrimp will also work well if fresh is unavailable.
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Do Not Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly; overcooking will make them rubbery. Once they turn pink and opaque, they are done.
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Adjust Spice Level: The crushed red pepper flakes provide a mild kick, but you can increase or decrease the amount based on your heat preference.
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Deglaze with Wine: The wine adds depth, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute with seafood broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
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Finish with Fresh Herbs: Cilantro adds freshness and color. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or basil can be used as alternatives.
The Health Benefits of This Dish
Shrimp is a lean protein rich in essential nutrients such as iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12 while being low in calories. Combined with garlic, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and lime, which provides vitamin C and aids digestion, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Cooking with olive oil keeps the dish heart-healthy, and the use of fresh herbs adds valuable antioxidants to your meal, supporting your immune system while providing fresh, bright flavors.
Pairing Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp with Drinks
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White Wine: Pair this dish with the same white wine you used for cooking, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the citrusy notes.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lime juice enhances the fresh flavors of the dish.
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Light Beer: A crisp, light beer pairs well with the spice and acidity in the shrimp while refreshing the palate.
Sustainability Considerations
When making Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp, choosing sustainably sourced shrimp can help protect the environment and support responsible seafood practices. Look for shrimp certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or sourced locally where possible to ensure your meal is as eco-friendly as it is flavorful.
Conclusion:
Garlic Lime Drunken Shrimp is a dish that checks all the boxes for modern home cooks: quick, easy, healthy, and packed with bright, satisfying flavors. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe offers a taste of coastal freshness and a touch of restaurant-quality elegance without requiring complex techniques or long hours in the kitchen.
It is a perfect reminder that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create an extraordinary meal that you will return to again and again. Enjoy this dish with your choice of sides and a refreshing drink, and let the vibrant flavors transport you to the seaside, no matter where you are cooking.