Achiote-Marinated Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet and smoky shrimp marinated in achiote paste, finished with bright lime and fresh cilantro for a vibrant weeknight dinner. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, achiote paste, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Puerto Rican cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp achiote paste, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz shrimp to the bowl, coating evenly, and marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Transfer shrimp to a plate and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Achiote-Marinated Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Achiote-Marinated Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Achiote-Marinated Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Achiote-Marinated Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Achiote-Marinated Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro?

Puerto Rican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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