Chili's Spicy Garlic And Lime Shrimp Recipe

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Hey, food lovers! Are you looking to indulge in a fusion of fiery spice and gentle sweetness? Then I’ve got a treat from the famous American restaurant chain with a Tex-Mex twist: Chili’s Spicy Garlic And Lime Shrimp! I can guarantee that this recipe is pure bliss of bold flavors and vibrant texture and is worth all the effort!

As a seafood lover, shrimp is definitely one of my favorites. I’ve picked up so many recipes from my mom, and one she often talks about is Chili’s Spicy Shrimp, which became her favorite after her several visits to the restaurant.

She recreated the recipe and passed it on to me; after several experiments, I’m excited to share it with you! Before jumping into the recipe, I want to mention that this flavorful spicy shrimp has become a favorite in modern kitchens everywhere.

However, its origins can be traced back to Mexican coastal cuisine in the southern U.S., especially Louisiana. The fusion of heat and seafood has made spicy shrimp a popular dish in many parts of the world, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine.

I’m absolutely hooked on this amazing fusion of cuisines, combining tender, juicy shrimp with bold spices and a burst of citrus. I really hope you also give this recipe a try, as these shrimp are sure to excite your taste buds! Plus, the beauty of this dish is its versatility. It can be served as a satisfying appetizer or as a main course.

Come along as we cook this delightful and spicy dish together! I’ve shared my personal insights and tips to ensure you get the same delicious results that I achieved. Let’s get started and savor the flavors!

What's In The Post

Equipments Required

Measuring Cups & Spoons: To maintain consistency and accuracy, ensure these tools are available.
Spatula: A wooden or silicone spatula is ideal for thoroughly mixing your ingredients.
Saucepan: To stir-fry your shrimp, use a heavy-bottomed pan, which is also always my go-to choice.
Knife: A sharp knife is my tool of choice for preparing the shrimp.
Mixing Bowl: To achieve an even blend of spices, I use a small mixing bowl.

Chili’s Spicy Garlic And Lime Shrimp Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The quantities of the ingredients mentioned below are enough to make four portions of Chili’s Spicy Shrimp. You may adjust the quantities of the ingredients to serve more or fewer portions.

24 Fresh Large Shrimp (about 1 pound)
1 Clove Garlic: You can use dried garlic for a mild spicy flavor.
2 Tablespoons Butter: You can use olive oil instead of butter as a healthier option.
1 Lime: You can even use white wine or even dry sherry as an acidic option for lime.

For Seasoning

⅛ Teaspoon of Dried Thyme
¾ Teaspoon of Salt: I use regular salt; you can even use kosher salt for a milder concentration. Or Himalayan pink salt for a flaky texture.
¼ Teaspoon of Ground Black Pepper: I use white pepper for a milder taste. You can try ground peppercorns for a herby and robust peppery taste.
¼ Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper: You can also use jalapeno powder for a bold kick.
¼ Teaspoon of Dried Parsley Flakes: I even add dried basil and parsley as a refreshing herb.
¼ Teaspoon of Garlic Powder: You can also use garlic oil and garlic salt to achieve the exact taste of garlic.
¼ Teaspoon of Paprika: You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
⅛ Teaspoon of Onion Powder: Consider using leek powder or shallots instead of onion powder for a subtle flavor.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
15 Minutes	30 Minutes	45 Minutes

How To Make Chili’s Spicy Garlic And Lime Shrimp At Home

Step 1

First, prepare the seasoning blend by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, and salt in a bowl.

Step 2

Now, place a saucepan over medium heat and add butter, then saute the minced garlic.

Step 3

Then, add the shrimp to the pan.

Step 4

Once the shrimp begin to cook in a minute, squeeze lime juice over them.

Step 5

After that, combine the shrimp with the spice blend and saute for another minute.

Step 6

And there you have it! Delicious Chili’s Spicy Shrimp is ready to enjoy.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

I marinate the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce and ginger garlic paste to infuse them with a deeper flavor.
To achieve a robust flavor, I also toast the cumin, coriander, or nutmeg, grind the spices, and add them to the seasoning mix.
I mostly avoid overcrowding the pan with too much shrimp, as that will prevent them from cooking properly.
You can even use clarified butter for better searing, as it has a higher smoking point and will not burn the shrimp.
Consider placing the shrimp in a brine solution made with salt, sugar, and water for 20 minutes before cooking. I highly recommend this because it retains the shrimp’s moisture during cooking and prevents it from becoming dry.

FAQ’s About Chili’s Spicy Shrimp Recipe

What can you do to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

If shrimp are overcooked, they can turn rubbery, ruining the dish entirely. To avoid this, cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, depending on their size. Once they start to turn pink and feel tender, turn off the heat. This will help ensure the shrimp remain tender instead of rubbery.

What can you do to prevent shrimp from burning?

While sauteing the garlic, do not let it dry out, as this can create a burnt aroma in the dish. Moreover, ensure that the dish is cooked at medium heat throughout.

How do you ensure that shrimp remain firm and not soggy?

Shrimp can release excess moisture during cooking, so sear them over medium heat. If you notice sogginess, you can add a small amount of cornstarch slurry or potato starch slurry to the recipe.

What can you do to keep the spice level high?

To achieve a perfect balance of heat, rub the shrimp with spices before cooking and add an extra dash of spice mix while sauteing the shrimp to intensify the flavors.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Chili’s Spicy Garlic And Lime Shrimp is a dish that is delicious and healthy. Moreover, it is loaded with proteins and vitamins, so you can eat this dish as often as you want without any moderation. As per your taste, you can also make minor substitutions for any ingredients that may not suit your diet plan.

I have mentioned the exact nutritional value of this Chili’s Spicy Garlic And Lime Shrimp recipe below.

Calories	56 kcal
Carbohydrates	2 g
Protein	0.2 g
Fat	6 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.2 g
Monounsaturated Fat	1 g
Trans Fat	0.2 g
Cholesterol	15 mg
Sodium	482 mg
Potassium	22 mg
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	0.3 g
Vitamin A	183 IU
Vitamin C	5 mg
Calcium	9 mg
Iron	0.1 mg

This recipe is completely suitable for people following ketogenic, gluten-free, and low-sugar diets. You can confidently add it to your meal plan without restriction. However, people on low-fat, dairy-free, vegan, or vegetarian diets may need to alter some of the ingredients to make this recipe suitable.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Low-Fat Diet: Similar to the dairy-free version, I recommend replacing the butter with olive oil or low-fat cooking spray to make a suitable version of this recipe for people on a low-fat diet.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

In The Refrigerator: I usually store my leftover shrimp in the refrigerator. You, too, can do the same by transferring the shrimp to an airtight container and placing it in your refrigerator. This way, the dish will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
In The Freezer: Sometimes, I store the leftover shrimp in the freezer longer. I just transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer, where they stay fresh for about one month.

Reheating

In the Oven: I suggest preheating your oven to 200 degrees F, transferring the shrimp to a baking tray, glazing it with butter or oil, and reheating it for about 10-15 minutes.
In the Microwave: I transfer the spicy shrimp after glazing it with butter or oil in a microwave for about 30 seconds until it becomes hot.
Stovetop Method: I recommend adding your leftover shrimp to a saucepan, along with a little butter or oil, and tossing it for about 2-3 minutes on low heat, or until it becomes hot.

What To Serve With This Recipe

This delightful Chili’s Spicy Garlic And Lime Shrimp recipe pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, such as Coconut Rice, creating a harmonious blend of creamy coconut and zesty shrimp.

A refreshing Mango salad complements the spicy shrimp perfectly, adding a vibrant and fruity contrast that elevates the entire meal.

Garlic Noodles offer a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements spicy shrimp, creating a truly impressive combination! When paired with Steamed Jasmine Rice, the shrimp’s umami flavor shines through, making for a delightful blend of hot and sweet.

An Avocado and Cucumber Arugula salad with shrimp offers a light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for warm days. Juicy, spicy shrimp served with soft, fluffy, Spongy Bread creates a satisfying and chewy dish that’s always a hit.

You can enjoy these spicy shrimp by dipping them in a variety of sauces like Easy Shrimp Mayo, Lemon Herb Sauce or Sriracha Mayo. While the pairing possibilities are limitless, the decision is entirely up to you; you can also enjoy this dish on its own!

Printable Version

More Chili’s Recipes That You Can Try

Chili's Margarita Grilled Chicken — Chili’s Margarita Grilled Chicken

Chili's spicy garlic and lime shrimp — Chili’s Margarita Grilled Chicken

Conclusion

Whether you’re throwing a fun dinner party or having a laid-back meal, these spicy shrimp are a fantastic choice! I guarantee that this tender, juicy, and flavorful Chili’s Spicy Shrimp will take your taste buds on a delightful journey.

This delicious and healthy recipe is now a regular part of my meal plan, and I encourage you to include it in your menu for a delicious and nutritious meal.

This recipe truly shines with its exciting blend of heat and natural sweetness. It’s bound to impress and satisfy everyone who tastes it.

Don’t wait to experience this incredible flavor! Begin your cooking adventure now and savor these fantastic shrimp! If you have any feedback or questions, feel free to get in touch. I’ll be back shortly with another great recipe. Until then, enjoy your culinary creations!