20-Minute Chili Lime Shrimp with Quinoa

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When I need a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal, this Chili Lime Shrimp with Quinoa always hits the spot. It’s packed with bold flavors, protein, and fresh ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight or a light yet satisfying meal. The zesty lime, smoky chili seasoning, and juicy shrimp pair beautifully with fluffy quinoa for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Chili Lime Shrimp with Quinoa

This recipe is incredibly simple yet full of vibrant flavors. The combination of chili, lime, and garlic creates a bold, tangy taste that perfectly complements the mild, nutty quinoa. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes!

• Quick & Easy – This dish is ready in no time, making it a great choice for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with Protein – Shrimp is a lean, high-protein ingredient, and quinoa adds extra plant-based protein and fiber.
• Bold Flavors – The smoky chili seasoning, fresh lime juice, and a touch of garlic create a bright and zesty dish that’s impossible to resist.
• Healthy & Nutritious – Quinoa is a great source of essential nutrients, and shrimp is low in calories but high in protein and antioxidants.

What Makes Chili Lime Shrimp So Delicious?

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet powerful combination of flavors:

• Chili Powder & Smoked Paprika – These spices add a smoky, slightly spicy depth to the shrimp, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Fresh Lime Juice – A squeeze of fresh lime brings brightness and a refreshing citrus zing.
• Garlic & Olive Oil – These ingredients create a savory, aromatic base for the shrimp, making every bite flavorful.
• Cilantro & Red Peppers – Fresh herbs and veggies add color, texture, and an extra layer of taste to the dish.

This Chili Lime Shrimp with Quinoa is the perfect balance of freshness, spice, and heartiness. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a healthy dinner, or meal prep, this dish will leave you satisfied and coming back for more!

Ingredients for Chili Lime Shrimp with Quinoa

To create this flavorful, protein-packed dish, you’ll need fresh ingredients that come together for a perfect balance of spice, zest, and heartiness.

• Shrimp – Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and taste. Fresh or frozen both work well—just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.
• Quinoa – A nutritious, protein-rich grain that provides a light and fluffy base for the shrimp. White, red, or tri-color quinoa all work well in this recipe.
• Olive Oil – Helps the shrimp cook evenly and enhances the flavor.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds a delicious savory depth to the dish.
• Chili Powder – Adds a warm, smoky spice that complements the lime and shrimp beautifully.
• Smoked Paprika – Enhances the dish with a subtle smokiness and mild sweetness.
• Cumin – Brings an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other spices.
• Red Bell Pepper – Adds a pop of color, crunch, and sweetness to balance the spice.
• Fresh Lime Juice – The key ingredient for that zesty, citrusy kick that brightens up the dish.
• Cilantro – A fresh, aromatic herb that complements the chili-lime flavors and adds a refreshing finish.
• Salt & Pepper – Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.

How to Make Chili Lime Shrimp with Quinoa

This recipe is quick, simple, and comes together in just 20 minutes! Follow these easy steps to create a delicious, wholesome meal.

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by preparing the quinoa according to package instructions. Generally, this means:

1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

While the quinoa cooks, season and cook the shrimp:

1. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat evenly for maximum flavor.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly golden on the edges.
5. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and stir in chopped cilantro for extra brightness.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Now it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Divide the cooked quinoa into bowls or plates.
2. Top with the chili lime shrimp and sautéed red bell peppers.
3. Garnish with additional cilantro and a wedge of lime for extra freshness.

This Chili Lime Shrimp with Quinoa is now ready to serve! Enjoy a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious.

How Long to Cook Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Here’s a general guide to ensure perfectly cooked shrimp:

• Medium Shrimp (41-50 count per lb) – Cook for about 1.5 to 2 minutes per side.
• Large Shrimp (31-40 count per lb) – Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
• Jumbo Shrimp (21-30 count per lb) – Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

You’ll know the shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque with slightly curled tails. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, they can be easily stored and enjoyed later. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Refrigerator – Store the shrimp and quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• Freezer – Cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store them in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The quinoa can also be frozen separately.
• Meal Prep – This dish is great for meal prep! Divide portions into airtight containers and enjoy throughout the week.

Tips for Perfect Chili Lime Shrimp with Quinoa

Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few pro tips:

• Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh shrimp will always have the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
• Adjust the Spice Level – If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Let the Shrimp Marinate – If you have time, let the shrimp sit with the seasoning and lime juice for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavor.
• Fluff the Quinoa – After cooking, let the quinoa sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork to get the best texture.
• Serve with Extra Lime – A fresh squeeze of lime juice before serving really elevates the dish and brightens the flavors.

This Chili Lime Shrimp with Quinoa is quick, delicious, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or prepping meals for the week, this dish is a guaranteed winner!

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