If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish to impress your family or guests, look no further than these Garlic Lime Shrimp Cubes with Cilantro Rice. This delightful recipe combines juicy shrimp marinated in zesty garlic and lime, served atop a bed of fragrant cilantro rice. Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Lime Shrimp Cubes with Cilantro Rice recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a delicious meal.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, lime, and paprika creates a vibrant and tangy flavor profile that elevates the shrimp to new heights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, while cilantro and lime add freshness without extra calories.
- Versatile Dish: This dish can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a buffet spread, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own. You can also swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu if you prefer.
Each bite of this dish delivers a burst of flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. Plus, the vibrant colors make it an eye-catching addition to any dinner table!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
When it comes to cooking, simplicity is often the key to success. This recipe exemplifies that principle perfectly. Here are some compelling reasons to try out this Garlic Lime Shrimp Cubes with Cilantro Rice:
- Minimal Prep Time: With just a few minutes of prep work, you’ll have everything ready to go. Simply marinate the shrimp while the rice cooks for an efficient cooking experience.
- Impressive Presentation: The brilliant colors of the shrimp and cilantro rice create a beautiful plate that will impress anyone you serve it to.
- Easy Clean-Up: Using one skillet for the shrimp and one pot for the rice means less mess in your kitchen, making this dish as practical as it is delicious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and fun shrimp cubes make this dish appealing to kids, helping to introduce them to new flavors in a way they’ll enjoy.
Overall, this recipe not only delivers on taste but also on convenience, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Garlic Lime Shrimp Cubes with Cilantro Rice:
- For the Garlic Lime Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- For the Cilantro Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Necessary Utensils
To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need the following utensils:
- Medium saucepan for cooking rice
- Large skillet for cooking shrimp
- Bowl for marinating shrimp
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board for chopping
- Fork for fluffing rice
Detailed Recipe Steps
Follow these easy steps to create your Garlic Lime Shrimp Cubes with Cilantro Rice:
1. Prepare the Cilantro Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to retain steam.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste. Set aside.
2. Cook the Garlic Lime Shrimp
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly with the marinade.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp to achieve a nice sear.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
FAQs
What can I serve with Garlic Lime Shrimp Cubes with Cilantro Rice?
You can serve this dish with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or even some fresh avocado slices. For a full meal, consider adding some crusty bread or a light soup.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure they cook properly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the marinade. You can also serve with a spicy sauce on the side.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cilantro rice and marinate the shrimp in advance. Cook the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
What is the nutritional value of Garlic Lime Shrimp Cubes with Cilantro Rice?
Each serving contains approximately 310 calories, 25g of protein, 34g of carbohydrates, and 10g of fat, making it a nutritious choice for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
In summary, Garlic Lime Shrimp Cubes with Cilantro Rice is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and simple cooking techniques. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below or tag us when you try this recipe! Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out Cheflora on Pinterest and explore other delightful dishes like Spicy Garlic Fish Bites and Honey Mustard Chicken Cubes.

Garlic Lime Shrimp Cubes with Cilantro Rice
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Fork
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon Lime zest Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- to taste Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cilantro Rice Ingredients
- 1 cup Long-grain white rice
- 2 cups Water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice Juice of 1 lime
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve the garlic lime shrimp cubes over a bed of cilantro rice. Drizzle any remaining lime juice over the top for extra flavor.