Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Lime Broiled Shrimp with Serrano Kick?
It is a zesty Mexican-inspired dish featuring fresh shrimp, garlic, serrano peppers, and lime, broiled to perfection.
Is this shrimp recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a kick from two minced serrano chilies, though the heat is balanced by lime and butter.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include 2 lbs of large shrimp, 12 garlic cloves, 2 serrano chilies, cilantro, lime juice, and melted butter.
Should I peel the shrimp before cooking?
No, the shrimp should be left shell-on but split down the back and butterflied.
How do I butterfly the shrimp?
Use a sharp paring knife to split each shrimp down the back through the shell, keeping the legs intact, then flatten them.
Why do I need to boil the garlic?
Boiling the garlic for 20 minutes softens the cloves, making them easy to mince into a smooth, flavorful paste for the butter.
How long does it take to broil the shrimp?
The shrimp typically take about 5 minutes to broil until they are pink and opaque.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 260 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 23 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains 16 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This is a low-carb dish with only 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a satisfying main course or a zesty appetizer.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 peeled garlic cloves.
What should I provide for guests when serving?
Provide plenty of paper napkins and an empty bowl for the discarded shrimp shells.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 8 tablespoons of hot melted butter.
What type of chilies should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 serrano chilies with the stems and seeds removed.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 1.5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Should the shrimp be refrigerated before cooking?
Yes, once butterflied, you should arrange them on a pan and refrigerate them until you are ready to broil.
Do I remove the shrimp legs?
No, the instructions specify leaving the legs intact when butterflying the shrimp.
Where should the pan be placed in the oven?
The shrimp should be placed on the upper rack of the oven under the broiler.
What indicates that the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, provided they are large shrimp and you thaw them completely before preparing.
Is this recipe considered gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed (shrimp, garlic, chilies, herbs, butter, lime) are naturally gluten-free.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 3.5 tablespoons of minced fresh cilantro.
Should I season the shrimp with salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and freshly ground black pepper should be added to taste.
What is the first step in preparing the garlic?
Place the peeled cloves in a saucepot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 20 minutes.
What do I do with the remaining garlic butter?
After broiling, transfer the shrimp to a platter and drizzle any remaining butter over them.
Is this dish suitable for a Mexican-themed dinner?
Absolutely, it features traditional Mexican flavors like lime, cilantro, and serrano chilies.
What size of shrimp is best?
Large shrimp are recommended to ensure they hold up well during the butterflying and broiling process.