Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Cilantro Lime Shrimp Sliders are not just a recipe—they're a mouth-watering journey that combines zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and succulent shrimp in a compact, irresistible package. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or when you want to impress your friends with restaurant-quality flavors right from your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 sliders
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slider buns
- 1/2 cup avocado, sliced (for topping)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and ensures they cook evenly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the shrimp in the mixture until they are fully coated. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill or skillet is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough if cooked too long.
- While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the slider buns. You can toast them on the grill or in a toaster for added texture and flavor.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a minute. This will help retain their juices.
- To assemble the sliders, place a few shrimp on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with slices of avocado for a creamy contrast.
- Finally, place the top half of the slider bun over the shrimp and avocado. Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy your delicious cilantro lime shrimp sliders!
Tips
- Shrimp Selection Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. Look for firm, translucent shrimp with a mild sea-like smell.
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 10 minutes allow the shrimp to absorb the vibrant lime and cilantro flavors.
- Cooking Technique: Watch your shrimp carefully! They cook quickly—just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their delicate texture.
- Avocado Tip: Use ripe but firm avocados. Slice them just before serving to prevent browning and maintain that beautiful green color.
- Bun Bonus: Lightly toasting the slider buns adds a delightful crunch and helps prevent them from getting soggy from the shrimp's moisture.
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare the marinade and clean the shrimp ahead of time to make assembly super quick when you're ready to cook.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
