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!
Copy Cat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 lb medium sized shrimp
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, washed and chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Stir in the garlic, sautéing it for about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp, stirring to coat, and cook 2-3 minutes per side- or until the shrimp's cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl. Add in the remaining ingredients, tossing the shrimp to coat evenly.
- Serve the shrimp immediately, or cover the bowl with cling wrap, refrigerate, and serve chilled.
Lynn says
Delicious!
frugal hausfrau says
It’s almost addictive, isn’t it?! I love that you made this at home. Perfect fo ra party!Happy New Year’s and Happy Fiesta Friday! Thanks for sharing with us!
Mollie
Liz says
Such a sad thing that everyone in my household is allergic to shrimp (except moi). Wonderful party food, I always gravitate to the shrimp at a buffet.
Happy New Year!
steve says
The only thing I disagree with is that 1lb gives 12 servings! This is too good for that many servings. Maybe 2 servings and I could eat both of them myself – too yummy. Thanks for the recipe.
Kay says
Can you freeze cilantro shrimp from Costco’s
Jane says
My husband and I loved this dish. The lime juice added and extra zing.
Suzanne says
I am not sure but I added a little splash seasoned vinegar to the shrimp when thawing. The shrimp were plumper and more tender, could not taste vinegar at all! Delicious…..
Sam says
One great textural element in the Costco shrimp is white sesame seeds. Otherwise, your recipe seems to be spot on
Pam Heckaman says
Can you use precooked shrimp for this?
4sonsrus says
I think you could use fresh precooked shrimp, but I wouldn’t use frozen.