Description
A quick, one-pan dinner featuring seared shrimp with garlic, cumin, and lime, folded with creamy avocado. Perfect for busy weeknights, this high-protein, healthy meal is ready in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large shrimp (20–25 count), peeled and deveined, patted dry
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin (divided)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (divided)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 medium ripe avocados
- 2 limes, juiced (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional base: 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
Instructions
- Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and half of the cumin and paprika.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and melt until foaming but not burning.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 2 minutes until pink, then flip and cook for 1-2 minutes until opaque.
- Sprinkle remaining cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes over the shrimp. Squeeze half the lime juice over them and toss for 30 seconds.
- While shrimp cook, halve avocados, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a bowl. Mash lightly with a fork until chunky. Stir in remaining lime juice and a pinch of salt.
- Remove pan from heat. Gently fold mashed avocado into the shrimp mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately over your chosen base (rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice), topped with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.
Notes
Ensure shrimp are completely dry before cooking to achieve a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain texture. For meal prep, store shrimp mixture and avocado separately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl per serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 25
Keywords: one pan shrimp, avocado bowl, healthy dinner, quick meals, gluten-free, high protein, shrimp recipe, 15 minute meals, meal prep