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Chili Lime Shrimp Meal Prep - Fresh, Zesty, and Ready for the Week

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1.5 pounds large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • Limes: Zest of 1 lime and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, finely minced
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 to 1.5 tablespoons (balances the acidity and heat)
  • Chili powder: 1.5 teaspoons
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Optional extras: 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced), 1 avocado (sliced at serving), lime wedges
  • For the sides: 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice or quinoa (or 4 cups riced cauliflower)
  • 1 pound broccoli or green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper for vegetables

Method
 

  1. Cook your base: Make rice or quinoa according to package instructions. For cauliflower rice, sauté with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 5–7 minutes until tender.
  2. Prep the vegetables: Toss broccoli or green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, or sauté in a skillet until crisp-tender.
  3. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until combined.
  4. Marinate the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Toss with the marinade and let sit for 10–15 minutes. Don’t go longer than 30 minutes—lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp.
  5. Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 1.5–2 minutes per side, just until opaque and lightly seared.
  6. Add freshness: Remove from heat and toss with chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt, lime, or heat as needed.
  7. Assemble the meal prep: Divide rice or quinoa among 4–5 containers. Add roasted vegetables. Top with shrimp and any pan juices. Add lime wedges and extra cilantro on the side.
  8. Optional toppings: Add thin red onion, a few avocado slices at serving time, or a quick drizzle of hot sauce.