Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lime Chili Dipping Sauce

Posted on August 6, 2025

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lime Chili Dipping Sauce

If you’re in search of a quick yet flavorful seafood dish that will leave your taste buds dancing, look no further than this Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lime Chili Dipping Sauce. This delightful recipe combines juicy shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a zesty lime chili dipping sauce, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a romantic date night. Not only is this dish incredibly easy to prepare, but it also delivers a punch of flavor that will impress anyone at your table. The combination of savory garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, and tangy lime creates a symphony of tastes that’s simply irresistible.

Imagine biting into perfectly cooked shrimp that is tender and bursting with flavor, paired with a creamy, slightly spicy dipping sauce that complements every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a great option for those watching their diet. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delicious culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lime Chili Dipping Sauce, starting with the ease of preparation. This dish requires minimal cooking skills and uses ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. In less than 30 minutes, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal that will wow your family or guests.

  • Flavor Explosion: The rich butter combines beautifully with the aromatic garlic and the heat from the red pepper flakes, creating a dish that celebrates bold flavors.
  • Versatility: This shrimp dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Pair it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Shrimp is a lean source of protein that is low in calories yet high in essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to suit your palate! Feel free to add more chili sauce to the dipping sauce or increase the red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish can elevate any meal into something special.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lime Chili Dipping Sauce recipe stands out not only for its flavor but also for its simplicity. Cooking shrimp can often be daunting due to the risk of overcooking, but with this recipe, you’ll learn the perfect timing to achieve that tender, juicy bite every time. The balance of flavors and textures from the succulent shrimp to the creamy sauce makes this dish a favorite among seafood lovers and novices alike.

Moreover, this recipe allows for creativity. You can serve it alongside a variety of sides, such as rice bowls, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for dipping. The lime chili sauce can also be used as a dressing for salads or as a sauce for grilled meats, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

For those who are health-conscious, this dish is a guilt-free pleasure. The use of butter can be balanced with healthy sides, and the shrimp provide a satisfying protein boost without excess calories. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just one recipe, you can entertain and nourish at the same time!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious recipe:

  • For the Shrimp:
    • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 6 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • For the Lime Chili Dipping Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
    • 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
    • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
    • Salt to taste

Recommended Utensils

To successfully prepare this dish, you will need:

  • A large skillet for cooking the shrimp
  • A small mixing bowl for the dipping sauce
  • A spatula or tongs for flipping the shrimp
  • Measuring spoons and cups for accurate ingredient measurement
  • A knife and cutting board for chopping herbs and mincing garlic
  • A serving platter for presenting the dish

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these simple steps to create your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lime Chili Dipping Sauce:

  1. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili sauce.
    • If desired, add the honey to balance the flavors and mix well until the sauce is smooth.
    • Season with salt to taste and set aside in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the shrimp.
  2. Cook the Shrimp:
    • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
    • Add the shrimp to the pan, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
    • **Avoid overcooking** the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  3. Serve:
    • Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter and serve with lime wedges and the lime chili dipping sauce on the side.
    • Enjoy your meal and watch everyone rave about your cooking skills!

FAQs

What is the best way to clean shrimp?

To clean shrimp, rinse them under cold water and use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back to remove the shell and the vein. Rinse again after cleaning.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking for even results.

What can I serve with Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp?

This shrimp dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the shrimp’s texture.

Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lime chili dipping sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Conclusion

In summary, the Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lime Chili Dipping Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings flavor, simplicity, and excitement to your dining table. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below after trying out this recipe, and feel free to share it with friends or on social media! For more delicious recipes, check out our Garlic Butter Shrimp Poppers or explore our Spicy Honey Chicken Tenders. Happy cooking!

For more inspiration, check out this Pinterest board with fantastic recipes and cooking tips!

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lime Chili Dipping Sauce

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lime Chili Dipping Sauce

This Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is succulent and flavorful, served with a zesty Lime Chili Dipping Sauce that perfectly complements the dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Seafood
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Small Bowl

Ingredients
  

Shrimp Ingredients

  • 1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • for serving Lime wedges

Dipping Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon Chili sauce adjust based on spice preference
  • 1 teaspoon Honey optional
  • to taste Salt

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili sauce, and honey (if using). Mix well until smooth and adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
  • Add the shrimp to the pan, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  • Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter and serve with lime wedges and the lime chili dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

Feel free to add more lime juice or chili sauce for extra tang and heat!
Keyword garlic butter, shrimp, spicy

You might also like these recipes