SPICY GARLIC LIME SHRIMP SERVED OVER QUINOA
Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Served Over Quinoa is a delicious and protein-packed meal with bold flavours and a touch of heat. The shrimp is marinated with cayenne pepper, lime juice, quinoa and garlic, then sautéed to perfection in olive oil, creating a beautifully seared, spicy bite paired with light and fluffy quinoa. This dish is satisfying and nutritious. It is naturally gluten-free, high in protein and an excellent option for low-carbohydrate, paleo and Whole30 diets. This dish comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for a busy lunch or dinner. The balance of heat, citrus and garlic ensures every bite is packed with flavour. Serve Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Served Over Quinoa with fresh greens, avocado or a drizzle of yoghurt sauce for a more indulgent experience. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout meal or a quick dinner, this spicy shrimp quinoa bowl is a fantastic option.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Caribbean, Latin American, Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Sauté, Stir-Fry, One-Pot Wonders
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Casual Dinner, Date Night, Back to School
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Wheat / Gluten-Free, Dairy Free, Paleo, Whole30, Keto
DISH TYPE
Seafood Main
INGREDIENTS
The following ingredients are required for the preparation of Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Served Over Quinoa:
- 85 grams | 3.00 ounces | 5 to 6 medium shrimp, peeled
- 43 grams | 1.52 ounces | ¼ cup cooked quinoa
- 5 millilitres | 0.08 fluid ounces | ½ teaspoon olive oil
- 5 grams | 0.02 ounces | ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 5 millilitres | 0.08 fluid ounces | ½ teaspoon lime juice
- 2 grams | 0.07 ounces | ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- 36 grams | 0.01 ounces | 1 pinch salt
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 206 kilocalories
- Total Fat: 5.1 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 17.6 grams
- Fibre: 2.1 grams
- Sugar: 0.6 grams
- Protein: 22.3 grams
- Sodium: 321 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 173 milligrams
- Calcium: 58 milligrams
- Iron: 1.5 milligrams
- Potassium: 366 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of the Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Served Over Quinoa:
- Prepare The Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with cayenne pepper, lime juice, minced garlic and salt. Let it marinate for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Heat The Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium flame. Add olive oil and allow it to warm up.
- Cook The Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Sear for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
- Prepare The Quinoa: If not already cooked, rinse and cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and season lightly with salt.
- Assemble The Bowl: Place the cooked quinoa in a bowl and top with the spicy shrimp. Drizzle any remaining lime juice over the shrimp.
- Serve And Enjoy: Garnish with fresh coriander, avocado slices or a wedge of lime for extra flavour.
PREPARATION TIME
10 Minutes
COOKING TIME
5 Minutes
TIPS
Here are some valuable tips for a Spicy Garlic Lime Shrimp Served Over Quinoa:
- Shrimp Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly, so avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture.
- Spice Control: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance.
- Quinoa Alternative: Replace quinoa with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate version.
- Crispier shrimp: Use high heat to create a slightly charred texture on the shrimp.
- Extra Flavour: A sprinkle of smoked paprika or ground cumin enhances the spice mix.
VARIATIONS
- Creamy Addition: Add a dollop of Greek yoghurt or coconut yoghurt for a creamy contrast.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in roasted bell peppers, zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
- Tropical Twist: Top with mango salsa for a fresh and sweet balance to the spice.
- Citrus Upgrade: Swap lime juice for lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for different dietary needs.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked shrimp separately in an airtight bag for up to 1 month. Quinoa can also be frozen for easy meal preparation.
- Reheating: Warm shrimp in a pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.