Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice

Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice is a delicious, quick, and healthy dinner, made with blackened shrimp and served with a flavorful cilantro-lime black bean rice. Super easy everything is made in one skillet!

Shrimp is quick to cook and so good for you! Try my easy Shrimp Fried Rice and my Healthy Shrimp Scampi for more quick and easy meals.

I love one-skillet meals. They are so easy to throw together and mean less cleanup. This Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice comes together in under 35 minutes!

This cilantro lime rice is loaded with black beans, fresh cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. The rice gets topped with spicy blackened shrimp and sauteed red bell pepper. It is so delicious and flavorful!

What you’ll need for this recipe

• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal for this recipe. You can buy them fresh or frozen.
• Bell pepper: I added one diced red bell pepper, however, you can use any color you prefer.
• Black beans: Canned black beans, drained and rinsed. If you enjoy making dry black beans from scratch feel free to add those instead.
• Blackening Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper make a super flavorful homemade blackened seasoning! You can also use store-bought if desired.

Cilantro Lime Rice

• Butter: Butter is a must when it comes to making your own rice at home!
• Rice: I prefer basmati, however, another long-grain rice will also work well.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds so much flavor. Buy it pre-minced for ease!
• Stock: I added chicken stock instead of water to boil the rice. Vegetable stock is also a great option.
• Lime: Both the juice and zest of the lime add a punch of citrus!
• Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro brightens up this whole meal.

How to make this Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice

• Start by making your Homemade Blackening Seasoning and tossing your shrimp in it.
• Heat a large skillet with olive oil and saute shrimp until pink and firm, 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Add more oil and butter to the same skillet and add in the rice and garlic. Saute until golden brown then adds in the stock. Simmer until tender.
• Once the rice is cooked add in lime zest, lime juice, fresh cilantro, and black beans. Toss together with the shrimp and bell pepper and serve immediately!

How to make your own Homemade Blackening Seasoning

Making your own blackening seasoning at home is so easy! All of the ingredients you should already have in your spice drawer. I made just enough seasoning for the recipe however you can always double or triple this recipe and store it in your pantry. Here is what you’ll need:

• Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper
• Oregano
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Salt + Pepper

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! It only needs a few minutes to cook properly.
• Add in any color of bell pepper! I prefer sweet bell peppers like red, orange, and yellow in this Cilantro Lime Shrimp Rice dish.
• Add in some corn or peas for even more color and variety.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

How long do you cook shrimp on the stove?

Shrimp cooks super quickly! All you need is about 2-3 minutes on each side. Be careful not to overcook them or they’ll have a chewy, rubbery texture.

How do you know when shrimp is done?

While you’re cooking, keep an eye on the crevice in the shrimp’s back where the vein was removed. Watch the thickest part of the shrimp (the opposite end from the tail), and when the flesh at the base of that crevice is no longer translucent, the shrimp is done.

What goes with cilantro lime rice?

I love serving this Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice with a side of homemade tortilla chips and a Mexican side salad.

If you love one-skillet meals like me you would love these one-pan recipes!

• One Pan Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
• One Pan Meatball Stroganoff
• One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake
• Egg Roll in a Bowl