A Flavor Explosion: Chipotle Orange Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice
Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something that's both exciting and easy to whip up? Look no further! This Chipotle Orange Shrimp recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in a creamy, smoky-sweet sauce, all piled high on a bed of fragrant cilantro-lime rice. And just when you think it can't get any better, add a side of tangy, crunchy cucumbers. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of smoky chipotle, zesty orange, and fresh cilantro is simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to your liking and swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Impressive: This dish tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant but is super simple to make.
The Star Ingredients
- Shrimp: The star of the show, shrimp cooks up quickly and absorbs all that delicious sauce.
- Chipotle Pepper: A little goes a long way in adding a smoky depth and a touch of heat.
- Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the smokiness of the chipotle.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly. (Coconut milk is a great sub for dairy free eaters!)
- Cilantro: Infuses the rice with a fresh, herby flavor.
- Cucumbers: Provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp and sauce. (Pro tip: making them a few hours ahead of time will provide an amazing pickled flavor!).
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped (or half for less heat)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- Olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups white rice (Jasmine or long grain recommended)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Steps
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Combine sliced cucumbers with olive oil, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Set aside to marinate.
- Make the Sauce: Blend together the chipotle pepper, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and orange zest until mostly smooth. Don't over blend!
- Cook the Rice: Cook the rice according to package directions. Stir in cilantro and salt (+ lime juice, or juice from zested orange for some more citrus).
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, seasoning with cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add the sauce to the pan with the shrimp and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over the cilantro lime rice and serve with the tangy cucumbers on the side.
Tips for Success
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it or it will become rubbery. 2 minutes per side is perfect for most shrimp sizes.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, start with half a chipotle pepper and add more if needed. Chipotle powder is also a good substitute if you don't have access to chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Get Creative with Sides: If you don't have cucumbers on hand, swap it for a side salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Cauliflower rice can be used to keep it lower carb.
- Add some citrus: Squeeze the juice of the zested orange over the shrimp before adding the sauce, or add some to the cilantro rice.
- Make it ahead: The cucumbers get better with time and if you cook the rice ahead of time as well, you'll have dinner ready in no time!
This Chipotle Orange Shrimp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so treat yourself and your loved ones to this amazing meal. It's the perfect combination of simple, quick, and utterly delicious!