Turmeric Lime Shrimp

Featured in Fish Dishes Even Seafood Skeptics Love.

Tender shrimp tossed in a golden turmeric-lime blend with garlic and shallots for maximum flavor. A buttery sauce finishes it off, while fresh lime and cilantro add brightness. Serve with bread or rice to soak it all up. Done in no time—20 minutes flat!
A chef wearing a white hat and apron.
Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:55:18 GMT
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Golden turmeric lime shrimp on a plate | cookscoop.com

When these turmeric-lime prawns hit the skillet, something wonderful starts to happen. A golden aroma fills your cooking space, with hints of citrus and spices that suggest you're about to enjoy something really special. This dish has become my go-to dinner savior, turning ordinary shrimp into an impressive meal that's ready in just a few minutes. The mix of earthy turmeric and tangy lime creates an amazing blend of tastes that makes each mouthful unforgettable.

This approach turns simple shrimp into an outstanding dinner, great for busy evenings or when friends come over.

Key Components and Shopping Advice

  • Shrimp: Pick plump, fresh ones without any fishy smell
  • Turmeric: Try to get fresh root when possible or good-quality powder
  • Limes: Always go for fresh ones to get both peel and juice
  • Fish Sauce: Choose a simple version containing just fish and salt
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Shrimp in Turmeric-Lime Sauce | cookscoop.com

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1:
Thoroughly dry the shrimp using paper towels to ensure they'll sear properly.
Step 2:
Add salt and pepper generously to all sides.
Step 3:
Allow them to rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to absorb flavors.

Perfect Your Cooking Method

Step 1:
Get your pan hot enough that water droplets bounce around when added.
Step 2:
Put in butter and wait for it to bubble before arranging shrimp in one layer.
Step 3:
Let shrimp cook without moving for 2 minutes to get a nice golden exterior.

Build Flavor Foundation

Step 1:
Cook shallots and garlic until they're tender but still light in color.
Step 2:
Mix in turmeric while stirring non-stop to release its taste.
Step 3:
Watch as the butter transforms to a beautiful gold color before moving on.
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Shrimp in Turmeric-Lime Sauce | cookscoop.com

Perfect Your Sauce

Step 1:
Pour in fish sauce bit by bit, sampling as you go to get the right taste.
Step 2:
Squeeze in lime juice gradually, making sure it blends well before adding more.
Step 3:
Check that your sauce flows nicely but isn't too thin.

Putting It All Together

Step 1:
Add the shrimp back to the skillet along with any liquid that collected.
Step 2:
Mix everything carefully so all shrimp get covered in sauce.
Step 3:
Top with chopped cilantro and set out lime pieces before bringing to the table.

Make-Ahead Options

Cut up all your flavoring ingredients beforehand to cut down on cooking time. You can also partly make the sauce ahead, just add the lime juice and butter right before serving to keep it fresh.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

  • Brown turmeric in butter to bring out its best taste
  • When mixing with pasta, save some cooking water to help sauce stick better
  • Make extra sauce for pouring over veggies or soaking up with crusty bread

Wrapping Up

These turmeric-lime shrimp show how basic ingredients can transform into something vibrant and tasty. The quick prep time and bold flavors make this dish perfect for busy weeknights.

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Shrimp in Turmeric-Lime Sauce | cookscoop.com

Pairing Ideas

Enjoy over a bed of rice, next to crusty bread, or with roasted veggies like cauliflower or green beans. For a hands-on meal, serve with warm pita and extra dipping sauces.

Changing With The Seasons

During warmer months, try adding Thai basil or mint for brightness. In winter, throw in some ginger for extra warmth. This dish easily adjusts to what's available throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I use shrimp that’s frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and dried before cooking so it sears nicely.
→ What pairs well with this?
It’s great with crusty bread, naan, pita, or over a plate of rice to soak up the sauce.
→ How long can leftovers last?
Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid rubbery shrimp.
→ Is fish sauce a must here?
Not necessarily! Swap it out with soy sauce or coconut aminos, though the taste will change just a bit.
→ Will turmeric stain things?
Yep, turmeric can leave marks, so be careful around light counters and clothing.

Turmeric Lime Shrimp

Fast and flavorful shrimp with turmeric, lime, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s ready in just 20 minutes!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Adriana

Category: Seafood Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
02 1/4 cup shallots, chopped small
03 4 tablespoons butter
04 Sea salt and black pepper, as needed
05 1 lb shrimp, deveined and cleaned
06 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin)

→ Sauce

07 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped fresh
08 1 lime, juice squeezed out and zest grated
09 1 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce
10 1 tablespoon turmeric powder

→ For Serving

11 Toasted or baked crusty bread

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up olive oil in a big pan over medium-high heat. Pat dry the shrimp, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cook for around 2 minutes on each side till just cooked. Set aside.

Step 02

Throw butter, garlic, and shallots in the same pan. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until you can smell it. Toss in fish sauce and turmeric, stirring well.

Step 03

Put the shrimp back into the pan. Mix in the lime zest, the juice, and cilantro. Toss everything so it's coated well. Enjoy with some warm crusty bread.

Notes

  1. Goes great with rice, naan, pita, or bread
  2. Store in the fridge for up to three days

Tools You'll Need

  • A big skillet
  • Kitchen paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish is present
  • Has dairy (butter)
  • Includes fish (fish sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 233
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4.5 g
  • Protein: 16 g