Looking for a simple weeknight dinner idea? Try this easy Costco-style cilantro lime shrimp. With a short ingredient list and a quick marinade, it comes together fast. The cilantro-lime sauce can be adjusted to your taste, making this shrimp versatile for bowls, tacos, salads, or lettuce wraps.
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Cilantro lime shrimp is one of my favorite ways to prepare juicy shrimp because it’s so flexible. Use it for shrimp bowls, cilantro lime shrimp tacos, or lettuce wraps. With a few pantry staples you can transform this protein into a variety of delicious meals.
Why Costco’s Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Costco’s prepared cilantro lime shrimp is popular because it’s tasty and convenient. The shrimp is often pre-cooked and seasoned, which makes it an easy shortcut for quick meals—serve it with rice and beans, tuck it into a wrap, or present it on toasted bread with pico de gallo as an appetizer.
I prefer making my own version so I can control ingredients and flavors. My recipe leans toward using the cilantro-lime mixture as a marinade rather than just a finishing sauce. The result is fresh, flavorful shrimp that’s simple and healthy.
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Shrimp
The ingredient list is short and straightforward. I adapted this slightly from a traditional cilantro-lime marinade I use for chicken. For this recipe you will need:
- Fresh cilantro – bright, slightly lemony and herbaceous
- Fresh lime juice – adds citrus brightness (lemon juice can substitute)
- Red onion – milder than yellow or white onion; great in the marinade
- Fresh jalapeño – adds heat; remove seeds if you prefer less spice
Season the shrimp with: black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, and Old Bay seasoning.
Cooking Costco-Style Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Full measurements are included in the recipe card below. The basic steps are:
If using frozen shrimp, fully thaw them in a large bowl and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Season the shrimp with black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, and Old Bay, then set aside.
In a blender or food processor combine cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, fresh lime juice, and a splash of olive oil. Blend until smooth. Pour the marinade over the seasoned shrimp, making sure they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a large skillet (non-stick or cast iron) over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook a couple of minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Shrimp are done when they plump up and turn pink. Remove from the pan and let rest briefly before serving.
What Type of Shrimp to Use
This marinade works best with raw shrimp. I don’t recommend pre-cooked shrimp for this method since the shrimp needs to absorb the marinade before cooking. Good options include:
White shrimp – translucent when raw and pink when cooked; tender and mildly sweet.
Pink shrimp – usually pink raw and sweeter in flavor; often smaller in size.
Argentinian red shrimp – slightly sweet with a texture reminiscent of lobster; a more luxurious option.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp
There are many serving options. Present the shrimp as an appetizer on a platter with extra lime zest, or build a hearty meal:
- Shrimp burrito: fill a whole wheat tortilla with black beans, sautéed peppers, pico de gallo, greens, and shrimp.
- Burrito bowl: swap the tortilla for red rice or cauliflower rice, add beans, veggies, and top with guacamole.
- Salad or lettuce wraps: serve shrimp over mixed greens or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Allow leftover shrimp to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm a skillet over medium-low heat, spray or add a small amount of oil, and heat the shrimp for about 30 seconds to a minute until warmed through. Reheating on the stovetop prevents overcooking and rubbery texture that often happens in the microwave.
FAQs
Yes. If you prefer to add the mixture as a finishing sauce, finely chop the ingredients rather than blending them so the herbs and onion provide texture as a fresh finisher.
Yes. Lemon is a good substitute and will add a slightly sweeter citrus note that can balance jalapeño heat.
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try parsley or Thai basil and add a bit more lime to brighten the flavor.
If you make this Costco-style cilantro lime shrimp recipe, feel free to leave a comment below. I share more healthy recipes, workouts, and family content on social media—follow along on Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Skillet cast iron or non-stick
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 1/3 cup Cilantro
- 1/4 cup Red Onion
- 1 tbsp Jalapeño
- 1/2 Fresh lime squeezed
- 1 tbsp Old Bay
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Prepare shrimp: if frozen, thaw in a large bowl and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season shrimp with black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, and Old Bay. Set aside.
- In a blender or food processor combine cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and a bit of olive oil. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the marinade over the shrimp, coat evenly, and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil to coat the pan.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook a couple of minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until shrimp are plump and pink.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and let rest briefly before serving.