An easy appetizer recipe is always a must have. This Copy Cat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp makes it so you can whip up your favorite store bought appetizer, in a pinch, without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.

It’s amazing how things seem so much fancier when seafood’s involved. Seriously.

Don’t believe me? Add shrimp, crab, tilapia or any of the like to the menu and see if things don’t perk up.

I wanted something impressive to grace my guests table last New Year’s Eve, and nothing seemed to fit the bill. Luckily, like at every other major cross roads in my life- Costco was there to save the day.

They have this trusty bevy of ready to cook, or eat, foods- depending on the need. It’s amazing. It’s fool proof. Everything is tasty, and everything always turns out just as promised. Including the seafood.

I’m not the true, vetted Italian my husband and his side of the family are. I can’t do the dinners of the seven fishes. Some of the things I like, others of the bunch I loathe. Particularly the octopus.

Still I totally crave and appreciate a solid seafood element to any good, special meal- especially around the holidays.

Costco’s Cilantro Lime Shrimp has always been there to save the day, and to sate my craving.

As I’ve gotten older though, I really don’t feel the need or have the desire to combat the holiday crowds, the lines, the fighting for parking spaces, etc. 

So this year, the light bulb finally went off. I got smart, and decided to recreate the recipe on my own, at home, and using shrimp I already had on hand.

I do have my moments, and my family all agreed this Copy Cat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp was spot on.

It’s perfect for Christmas dinner. It’s perfect for a New Years Eve party. It’s a real crowd pleasing appetizer, even for the manliest crew on the biggest Game Day of the year.

You really can’t go wrong, whether you decide to serve it hot or cold.

You can use either medium or large sized uncooked shrimp. We suggest medium, but larger ones have a plumper finished product, which can make for a more appealing presentation. 

Olive oil is heated over medium hight heat in a large skillet. When hot, the garlic is stirred in to cook, but only for 30 seconds or so, and stirring often. There’s not much wiggle room here, it can go from cooked to burnt & bitter very quickly.

The shrimp’s then stirred in, tossed to coat, and cooked for a quick 2 minutes per side- just until cooked through. Again, this is another important one, because overcooked shrimp is tough and rubbery.

Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a mixing bowl. Add in lime juice, freshly chopped cilantro leaves, salt, & pepper. Toss everything to evenly coat.

At this point you can serve the shrimp immediately, or you have the option to refrigerate it- serving when chilled. We’re a house divided when it comes to which is better. We love both ways.

Tender sautéed shrimp are tossed in a zingy mixture of garlic, fresh lime juice, and cilantro leaves for an easy appetizer.

Our Copy Cat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp are bound to please any crowd.

Other Shrimp Recipes You Might Also Enjoy:

• Grilled Nam Prik Shrimp
• Gnocchi Shrimp Scampi
• Creamed Spinach Tortellini with Seasoned Shrimp
• Parmesan Shrimp Dip Bread Bowl
• Crisp Honey Shrimp with Candied Walnuts
• Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pizza

If you’ve tried these COPY CAT COSTCO CILANTRO LIME SHRIMP, or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!