Pan-Seared Chipotle Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp pan-seared with smoky chipotle spices, paired with fluffy cilantro lime rice for a vibrant, flavorful meal. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes turns large shrimp, peeled and deveined, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque with lightly charred edges. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Fluff cooked rice with a fork, then stir in 1 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro until well combined and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Serve the chipotle shrimp over the cilantro lime rice, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chipotle Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Pan-Seared Chipotle Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chipotle Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice?

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 Pan-Seared Chipotle Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Seared Chipotle Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice?

Mexican 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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