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This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi recipe is loaded with flavor, and I can pull it together in just minutes for a quick and easy weeknight meal. I cook the shrimp in a combination of butter, wine, and fresh lime juice, and then I throw in fresh cilantro. It’s simple yet delicious. I toss it into pasta or serve it over rice for a complete meal my family will love.

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“Delicious! I made it this evening for dinner, and my family loved it! It combines many of my favorites – shrimp, lime, and cilantro :) We paired it with coconut Jasmine Rice made in the instant pot.” -Abby
15 Minute Shrimp Scampi
I love a good shrimp scampi, but this cilantro lime version is just as tasty and ideal to serve as an appetizer or a weeknight meal. And of course, the fact that I only need one pan means there won’t be as many dishes to clean up. Mom win!
It doesn’t get any easier than sauteeing the shrimp with butter, fresh lime juice, a touch of white wine, and then adding freshly chopped cilantro. Simple, tasty, and ideal to toss into your favorite Alfredo or other white pasta sauce or served with a side of rice. I can easily get this shrimp on the dinner table in about 15 minutes, so it’s perfect for a busy weekday dinner.
Tips for Beginners
- The best shrimp. Make sure to use firm, translucent shrimp that are free of blemishes. If using frozen, make sure to defrost and remove any excess moisture.
- To devein shrimp. Use kitchen scissors to cut along the back, starting at the head and going toward the tail, then use a knife to pull out the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp before cooking and pat them dry.
- For an alcohol-free dish. Substitute the wine with chicken broth. You won’t get the same flavor, but your dish will still be delicious.
One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ lbs. jumbo shrimp cleaned and deveined
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup chardonnay or dry white wine
- ¼ cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup cilantro fresh, finely chopped
- lime wedges and more cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, stir together the flour with a pinch salt and pepper. Set aside.½ cup all purpose flour, salt and pepper
- Heat a large frying pan over medium/high heat. Add the olive oil and allow to heat up.2 tbsp olive oil
- Toss the shrimp in the flour mixture and add to the pan in batches. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, turning/tossing occasionally. When opaque/cooked through, transfer to a plate and set aside.1½ lbs. jumbo shrimp
- Reduce heat to medium and add in two tablespoons butter. When the butter has melted, add the garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until translucent and fragrant.12 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic
- Slowly add in the wine, lime juice, and cilantro. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for 2 full minutes, stirring occasionally.¼ cup chardonnay or dry white wine, ¼ cup lime juice, ¼ cup cilantro
- Whisk in the remaining butter a bit at a time, allowing it to melt before adding more.
- Add the shrimp back into the skillet and coat completely with the sauce. Sprinkle with more cilantro and garnish with lime wedges.lime wedges and more cilantro
- Serve hot with rice, toasted bread, or pasta. Enjoy!
Becky’s Tips
- Buy firm, translucent shrimp that are free of blemishes. If using frozen, defrost and remove any excess moisture.
- Use kitchen scissors to cut along the back and remove the dark vein. Rinse and pat dry.
- Substitute chicken broth for wine if you don’t want alcohol in your dish.
- Store for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Store
Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in a pan over the stove.
Freeze
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions
I love this cilantro lime shrimp as an appetizer, but it also makes the perfect addition to throw on top of pasta with Alfredo sauce. The buttery sauce pairs perfectly with long pasta noodles and creates an amazing shrimp scampi pasta dish. If I’m not in the mood for pasta, I’ll serve the shrimp with a simple garlic rice, or even plain Instant Pot basmati rice tastes great and soaks up all the tangy flavors from the shrimp. I find this is the ideal busy weeknight meal, as the shrimp comes together in minutes. As an appetizer, it’s also great, as it’s quick and easy to prepare and rounds out the offering well.
More Shrimp Recipes To Try
- This Skillet Chipotle Shrimp is a one-pan recipe that’s smoky, spicy, and loaded with flavor.
- Creamy Parmesan Shrimp Pasta features juicy, sautéed shrimp that I toss in a cream and cheese sauce.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp has the perfect balance of flavors with buttered shrimp, garlic, chili, and just a pinch of crushed red pepper.
one pot/pan recipes













Delicious! I made it this evening for dinner and my family loved it! It combines many of my favorites – shrimp, lime, and cilantro :) We paired it with coconut Jasmine Rice made in the instant pot.
WOW! How awesome! I’m so glad you loved it and I love your pairing <3
This was delicious. Made exactly as written but I am a garlic addict so I added two extra cloves. The butter was just the right amount and added a decadent touch to the plate. A lot of flavor and super easy to make. Nice job
I agree with other comment. Too much butter. I would have used coconut milk instead of that much butter. This looks more like a coconut curry type of dish anyway so coconut cream or milk would be a great substitute for all that butter. Even olive oil would be better choice. I would be hesitant to try your other recipes based on how much butter you are using in what is supposed to be a light healthy dish. Plus everyone knows shrimp is a higher fat content seafood item.
Made this last night and it was absolutely delicious. Love the flavours, but how on earth does the author consider this healthy? So much butter, no veggies, plus breading and suggested to be served with carbs (bread, pasta, rice).
That said, it was amazing and will definitely make again when I feel like an unhealthy “cheat” dinner!
Wow! This looks absolutely delicious!
This looks so tasty and it has all of my favorite flavors…especially shrimp!
I just love everything about this dish. Shrimp is such a wonderful way to enjoy seafood because it cooks so fast and I love your combination of lime and cilantro. Great flavors, that go wonderfully together. I also love your photos and the pan you’ve chosen for this dish. You are so lucky to have a green skillet :) It’s perfect for this dish!
I loooove cilantro! This meal looks right up my alley!
I have to admit that I am not a cilantro fan, but I can handle it in very small doses, lol. ;) That being said, this dish does look amazing, and I love how quick it can be on the dinner table.
Cilantro Lime is the best way to have shrimp!