My Chili Lime Shrimp Recipe

With a bit of reluctance, I am sharing my famous shrimp recipe. It was going to be in my cookbook, but it's become a fan favorite and so many people have asked me for it.

I am only reluctant because now that a lot of people will have the recipe, I'll have to come up with another signature Carla dish to bring to parties. They won't need me to bring it anymore. :)
Okay, so with all of that said, and without further ado, here is the recipe.

25-35 bag large shrimp, deveined, uncooked and peeled (note: it's hard to find uncooked peeled shrimp sometimes, so purchasing a bag of uncooked un-peeled will do. just more work to peel the shrimp)

2 tbsp finely minced garlic

1/4 c butter

1 tbsp crushed dried chili flakes (more or less depending on the heat you like)

Zest of one whole lime

Juice of whole lime

Juice of half a lemon

Approx. 1/4 cup of fresh chopped Cilantro

1 Large French Baguette

Various Cream Cheese Flavours (herb and garlic, chives, onion and garlic or plain)

In a large hot skillet, combine garlic and butter until combined and the smell of garlic fills your kitchen. (the best part...YUM!!)

Add the peeled shrimp, and chili flakes. Combine

Add the lime zest, lime juice and lemon juice and cook until the shrimp are no longer pink. May take up to 6 mins. (check the shrimp, do not over cook) As soon as they are all no longer pink, they are done.

Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh Cilantro

Cut french baguette in 1 inch slices on an angle. (I like to make crostini out of the baguette. Take sliced baguette, brush with a little olive oil on both sides, place on baking sheet and bake in a 375 degree oven until lightly brown)

Take fresh baguette slices or crostini, spread desired cream cheese flavour and top with two shrimp. Make sure to drizzle some of the delicious juice from the pan over the shrimp and crostini.

Then...fall in love with this appetizer as you bite into it and the flavours explode in your mouth!!!

Quick and easy appetizer great for the sharing with family and friends over the holidays. They will fall in love with your cooking skills with this one. I promise!!!!

We love it so much, we don't only have it for special occasions.

Other ideas for serving the shrimp, other than on crostini:

-make the shrimp following recipe, and toss or serve on top of your favorite pasta

-serve over a spanish or plain rice

-serve just as is as a side dish to any choice of protein (chicken, pork, beef, lamb)

-let the shrimp slightly cool, and top a green salad

-toss in couscous or orzo

-before cooking the shrimp, let marinade in the melted butter, garlic, chili flakes, and lime zest. Skewer alternating with mushrooms, protein and place on the grill. Finish it off by combining the lime juice, lemon juice and cilantro, and drizzling it over the finished skewers as they come off the grill. (delicious)

So many things to do with this wonderful dish. Have fun experimenting!!! The ideas are endless.

Until we cook again :)