Juicy shrimp, savory black beans and fluffy rice come together in this Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice, a satisfying meal that is easy to put on the table.

★ Rate this recipe

Prep10 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total35 minutes
Serves4

Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice

In my kitchen, I find that building make-ahead habits is key, especially when life gets hectic. This recipe is perfect for prepping in advance, so you can enjoy a high-protein meal without the stress during busy mornings. I love that you can make this in one skillet, simplifying cleanup while still delivering flavor that the whole family will love.

What’s even better is how the ingredients come together for a meal that’s rich in protein. The combination of shrimp and black beans offers a fantastic balance, making this not just filling but enjoyable. On those hectic mornings, you’ll appreciate having something wholesome and tasty ready to go.

What Makes this Recipe Unique

Protein-Focused Ingredient Combination: Shrimp and black beans work together to create a satisfying, protein-rich dish that’s perfect for breakfast or any meal of the day.
Convenient One-Skillet Cooking: Using just one skillet for the whole dish saves time and makes cleanup a breeze.
Crispy and Fluffy Texture: The shrimp become tender and slightly crispy, while the rice remains fluffy, providing a delightful contrast with each bite.
Bright and Flavorful: Fresh lime juice and cilantro add a zesty flavor that brings the dish to life, making every mouthful enjoyable.

Estimated Macros & Calories

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect nutritionally.

(estimated per serving, without optional ingredients)

Calories: 450
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 12 g

The Most Authentic Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice Recipe

This recipe is a true reflection of what you can create in your kitchen without fuss. It captures a balance of flavors, with the freshness of cilantro and the tanginess of lime elevating the dish while keeping it satisfying.

Craving more? Try my Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Tacos.

Ingredient Notes

Shrimp: The key player in this recipe, shrimp provides a juicy and tender texture that cooks up beautifully in the skillet. Using fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp works well in this dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with rich, savory flavor. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for adding depth.
Jasmine Rice: This type of rice cooks quickly and has a pleasant, slightly sticky texture, making it ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Black Beans: These add heartiness and a good amount of protein, ensuring the meal is filling. Be sure to rinse them well to remove excess salt and starch.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the dish with acidity, cutting through the richness of the shrimp and complementing the overall flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once warm, add the shrimp and minced garlic, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes, cooking until the shrimp turn pink.

Step 2: Set Aside the Shrimp

Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a plate. This will keep them from overcooking while you prepare the rice.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked rice with additional salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring to combine, before reducing the heat and covering the skillet to simmer until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Mix in Beans and Herbs

Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the lime juice, black beans, and chopped cilantro. This will enhance the dish with fresh flavors and combine all the hearty ingredients.

Step 5: Reheat Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro

Drizzle extra lime juice over the shrimp and mix in some additional cilantro before adding them back into the skillet with the rice. Gently reheat everything, allowing the flavors to meld.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid crowding the skillet when cooking the shrimp to ensure they cook evenly and get that lovely sear.
Keep an eye on the rice while it’s cooking. If it seems dry and isn’t cooked through, add a little extra water for the best texture.
Rinse the black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and starch levels, which can affect the dish’s texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

This dish stores well in the refrigerator for about three days. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. While this is best enjoyed fresh, it makes for a great meal prep option for busy day lunches or dinners.

Variations and Substitutions

For a flavor variation, consider adding some diced bell peppers or corn to the skillet along with the black beans.
If you’d like to switch up the protein, chicken can be a great alternative to shrimp, just ensure you adjust your cooking time accordingly.
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your broth is gluten-free or simply use vegetable broth instead.
If you want to increase the protein content even more, pair your bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Why This Recipe Is The Real Deal

This Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice truly stands out with its combination of flavors and textures. The tender shrimp perfectly complement the fluffy rice and hearty black beans, creating a delightful mouthfeel in every bite. I love how everything comes together in one skillet, making it not only delicious but also a breeze to clean up afterward.

Another favorite of mine is the Easy Shrimp Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa.

For me, this is more than just a meal; it’s a satisfying way to start your day while keeping the cooking process realistic and enjoyable.

More High Protein Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this lime shrimp and rice recipe, these easy ideas are a great next step:

Want more? Browse all of our high protein dinner recipes, or see our list of high protein seafood recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice?

To store lime shrimp and rice: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for about three days. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

What substitutions work for Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice?

These swaps work for lime shrimp and rice: For a flavor variation, consider adding some diced bell peppers or corn to the skillet along with the black beans. If you’d like to switch up the protein, chicken can be a great alternative to shrimp, just ensure you adjust your cooking time accordingly.

What is your top tip for Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice?

My top tip for lime shrimp and rice: Avoid crowding the skillet when cooking the shrimp to ensure they cook evenly and get that lovely sear.

How many calories and how much protein are in Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice?

Our estimate for lime shrimp and rice is about 450 calories and 30 g of protein per serving, without optional ingredients. These are estimates, not lab results.

Where can I find more recipes like Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Rice?

If you liked lime shrimp and rice, browse our High Protein Dinner category for more easy ideas.

The Bottom Line

Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out for your next busy breakfast. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!

Save this lime shrimp and rice for your next busy day and share it with someone who loves easy high protein food. Have you made this lime shrimp and rice? Leave a comment below and tell me how your lime shrimp and rice turned out. Whether you are new to lime shrimp and rice or already a fan, this version is easy to make at home. If you try this lime shrimp and rice recipe, I would love to hear what you thought.

If you like this one, you will also love my Easy Greek Shrimp Mediterranean Bowl.

Lauren Mitchell
Recipe Creator at The Cookly
Easy high-protein recipes for everyday life.

Print Recipe