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Home By Meal Lunch and Dinner

Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

★★★★★ 27 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin7/16/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

cilantro lime shrimp with coconut cauliflower rice
cilantro lime shrimp with coconut cauliflower rice

For a complete and filling meal, Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice is the perfect option. It’s a tangy, zesty dish made of deliciously flavorful ingredients perfect for enjoying any night of the week!

cilantro lime shrimp on plate

The best rice and shrimp recipe of all time

Have you gotten on the cauliflower rice bandwagon yet? Personally, I’m not one to buy into “food hype,” but this one is popular for a reason. Cauliflower rice is absolutely delicious and is the perfect low-carb alternative to using regular rice! When cooked properly, you can hardly tell the difference.

For this recipe, we’re making a delicious coconut version that’s absolutely mouthwatering and is the perfect base for eating alongside cilantro lime shrimp. Oh, yeah. We can’t have a cilantro lime shrimp and coconut cauliflower rice recipe without the zesty, tangy lime shrimp!

This recipe provides a serious flavor blend that’s unmatched. When paired together, the taste of the rice and shrimp is absolutely fabulous. You’re never going to want to go back to boring rice or plain shrimp recipes ever again!

cilantro lime shrimp in pan

Ingredients used to make this shrimp and cauliflower rice recipe

Our recipe will start with a base made of frozen cauliflower rice, coconut milk, lime juice, and salt. Then, we will add shrimp that’s seasoned with garlic, lime, cilantro, and more!

Coconut cauliflower rice:

  • Frozen cauliflower rice
  • Coconut milk
  • Lime juice
  • Salt

Shrimp:

  • Frozen shrimp
  • Minced garlic
  • Cumin
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Avocado oil
  • Lime juice
  • Half lime
  • Chopped cilantro

Kitchen items used for this recipe

Only 4 main tools are needed for this recipe, in addition to a handful of measuring sizes. Here’s a quick list of everything you’ll need:

  • Large saucepan
  • Spatula or stirring utensil
  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Measurements: 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/3 cup, 3/4 cup
cilantro lime shrimp on plate

How to make cilantro lime shrimp with coconut cauliflower rice

This recipe will consist of two parts. We will begin by preparing the cauliflower rice, and then we’ll jump into cooking the shrimp (which literally takes less than 5 minutes!). In total, this recipe should require about 20 minutes to prepare.

Cauliflower rice:

We will begin by preparing the cauliflower rice. In a large saucepan, turn the heat to medium and add the riced cauliflower.

Add the coconut milk, lime juice, and salt. Stir until no longer frozen. It may seem dry at first, but it will all blend together.

Let simmer over low heat for ten minutes, stirring occasionally.

Shrimp:

While the rice simmers, we will start the shrimp.

Prepare the shrimp by peeling, deveining, washing, and patting completely dry.

Once dry, add the shrimp to a bowl and toss with garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the avocado oil. Once hot, add in the shrimp. These cook super fast (about 60-90 seconds per side), so watch them closely. You don’t want to overcook, or they’ll become tough.

Once you flip your shrimp, add lime juice, zest, and cilantro. After a minute, stir to combine. Turn off the heat.

Place the coconut rice on a plate and add the shrimp on top. Serve with extra cilantro and lime, and enjoy!

Cauliflower rice vs. regular rice

There are understandably some differences between eating regular grain rice and eating “rice” that’s made from a vegetable. However, when cauliflower is used, the benefits far outweigh the cons!

For starters, cauliflower is extremely nutrient-dense and provides fiber, potassium, Vitamin K, B6, and more. It also tastes great and is filled with antioxidants!

When cooked and seasoned properly, cauliflower rice can definitely hold its own in a rice vs. rice standoff.

cilantro lime shrimp in pan

Helpful tips for making cilantro lime shrimp and coconut cauliflower rice

Use these tips when cooking your recipe to wind up with a cilantro lime shrimp and coconut cauliflower rice dish that’s absolutely to die for!

Avoid overcooking the cauliflower rice
For “crispier,” finer rice, watch the cauliflower rice with a close eye and avoid overcooking. When cooked too long, it can become soggy, which we want to avoid!

Rubbery shrimp
If you find yourself with chewy or rubbery shrimp, it’s probably overcooked. Next time, use the following rule of thumb to cook the shrimp for the correct amount of time.

How to perfectly cook shrimp
When cooking shrimp, it’s so important to avoid overcooking. Look for the color to change to a pink shade all over (with no gray spots), and immediately remove from the heat. It should be at the perfect consistency and ready to enjoy.

Frozen vs. raw shrimp
I usually buy frozen shrimp because it’s easier and honestly more convenient. There aren’t too many differences between buying frozen and raw shrimp, though the frozen may taste slightly less fresh because it has been cooked already. If you want to buy fresh, raw shrimp, feel free!

Try these tasty entrees next

Need more juicy dinner ideas to accompany your cilantro lime shrimp in your weekly meal round up? Try these! From honey mustard chicken and one pan salmon to sweet potato casserole and chicken chili, there’s something for every mood!

  • One Pan Honey Mustard Chicken Dinner
  • Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Easy One Pan Salmon Dinner
  • One Pan Cabbage and Potato Skillet
  • Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Crock Pot)
cilantro lime shrimp on plate

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

cilantro lime shrimp on plate
★★★★★ 5 from 27 reviews

Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

For a complete and filling meal, Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice is the perfect option. It’s a tangy, zesty dish made of deliciously flavorful ingredients perfect for enjoying any night of the week!

Prep: 10Cook: 20Total: 30 minutes
Yield 4 servings 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

  • 1 10oz bag frozen cauliflower rice
  • 3/4 cup coconut milk from can (the thick white part at the top)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Shrimp

  • 1.5 lbs frozen shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined. 
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • zest of half lime
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing your cauliflower rice. In a large saucepan, turn heat to medium and add riced cauliflower.
  2. Add in the coconut milk, lime juice, and salt. Stir until no longer frozen. It may seem dry at first but it will all blend together.
  3. Let simmer over low heat for ten minutes, stirring occasionally, and begin to prepare your shrimp.
  4. Prepare your shrimp by peeling + deveining, washing and patting completely dry.
  5. Once dry, add shrimp to a bowl and toss with garlic, cumin, salt, pepper.
  6. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add avocado oil, and once hot, add in shrimp. These cook super fast, about 60-90 seconds per side. You don’t want to overcook your shrimp or else they will be tough.
  7. Once you flip your shrimp, add lime juice, zest, and cilantro. After a minute, stir to combine. Turn off heat.
  8. Plate coconut rice and add shrimp on top. Serve with extra cilantro and lime. Enjoy!
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: Dinner, gluten-free, pescetarianMethod: StovetopCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
cilantro lime shrimp on plate

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Hayley Harper says

    Posted on 12/4 at 4:12 pm

    So simple and full of flavor. On repeat in our house!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/5 at 1:22 pm

      Hi Hayley, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  2. Abbie says

    Posted on 8/29 at 9:02 pm

    Delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/1 at 5:40 pm

      Hi Abbie, so glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  3. Hannah says

    Posted on 3/15 at 7:33 pm

    My husband will tolerate cauliflower rice. I made this tonight and he raved at how good it was and went back for seconds! Delicious!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/17 at 2:47 pm

      Hi Hannah, so glad you loved it!! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lauren says

    Posted on 1/24 at 7:08 pm

    SO delicious and easy to make! Already making it for a second time tonight. Thank you! 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/25 at 12:42 pm

      Hi Lauren, so glad you loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Palmer says

    Posted on 1/5 at 5:10 pm

    can you freeze half of this? if so how would you recommend reheating?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/7 at 6:59 pm

      Hi Palmer, yep that’ll work and reheat in the microwave! Let me know how it comes out!

      Reply
  6. Meredith says

    Posted on 1/2 at 4:17 pm

    So delish and easy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/3 at 4:19 pm

      Hi Meredith, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  7. Megan says

    Posted on 8/5 at 7:21 pm

    Have made this recipe several times now. Not only is it easy but SO DELICIOUS! My husband usually isn’t into the cauliflower “craze” but the coconut brought it to another level!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/9 at 4:03 pm

      Hi Megan, so happy you both loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Katelyn says

    Posted on 6/22 at 7:55 pm

    My husband hates cauliflower so I paired the shrimp from this recipe with the mango pineapple salsa for some shrimp tacos, and there were so good!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/22 at 8:35 pm

      Hi Katelyn, so happy you both enjoyed it and made it your own!

      Reply
  9. Ellis says

    Posted on 6/21 at 3:46 pm

    This had fantastic flavor and was really easy to make! A simple and delicious meal!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/22 at 2:10 pm

      Hi Ellis, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  10. Faith Simon says

    Posted on 6/14 at 1:09 pm

    A great recipe for summer! Light and great flavor

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 4:19 pm

      Hi Faith, so glad you loved the rice!!

      Reply
  11. Maeve Morris says

    Posted on 5/11 at 7:49 pm

    Just made this for my whole family and it was such a hit!!! The flavors are absolutely amazing and came together so quick! Everyone at the table agreed that this dish needs to become a new staple!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/12 at 5:00 pm

      Hi Maeve, so glad you and your family loved it so much!!

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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