Chipotle Shrimp

This zesty sautéed chipotle shrimp recipe is the perfect combination between tangy and savory. In only 20 minutes, and 4 easy steps you’ll have this spicy shrimp dish ready to go!

shrimp in a bowl of chipotle butter with fresh limes


 

This spicy buttered shrimp recipe only uses four ingredients to make a delectable appetizer or dinner. It can be served over white rice or even pasta.

small glass bowl of chipotle shrimp on a taco tray

Ingredients for Chipotle Shrimp Recipe

With as much flavor as this shrimp has, you might be shocked at how short the ingredient list is.

  • Clarified butter – Put simply, clarified butter is pure butterfat (whole butter) separated from the milk solids (milk proteins) and whey proteins. You can make your own or buy it at the store.
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – You should be able to easily find this in a can down the international aisle at your grocery store.
  • Lime – Fresh lime is key for the best flavor. You will use both the juice and the zest for this shrimp recipe.
  • Large shrimp – You will want shell on shrimp. Check the section below to know the difference between the types of shrimp.
tangy chipotle shrimp recipe in a stainless steel bowl

Variations

There are plenty of ways you can make this chipotle shrimp your own. Here are a few ideas.

  • Creamy chipotle shrimp – You can make this shrimp in a creamy sauce by adding a splash of coconut milk. It also keeps it dairy free.
  • Flavor – Add more flavor to the sauce by adding some minced garlic cloves or chopped shallots. This will also add some texture.
  • Heat – Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to take the heat up a notch, although chipotle peppers are pretty hot- just ask the scoville scale!
close up of a curled chipotle shrimp

How to Make Chipotle Shrimp

You can have this chipotle shrimp recipe ready in just four easy steps!

  1. Heat butter, lime and peppers. Heat clarified butter in a small saucepan. Stir in fresh lime juice, lime zest and chipotle peppers set aside.
  2. Cook shrimp in butter. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Ladle in just barely enough butter to coat the bottom and then add the prawns/shrimp. Cook until pink.
  3. Pour remaining chipotle-lime butter into the skillet and heat for an additional minute to allow the flavors to marry.
  4. Garnish and serve. Remove to a serving dish and garnish with fresh limes wedges and serve hot.

What to Serve with Chipotle Shrimp

This Chipotle Lime Buttered Shrimp dish is perfect as an appetizer for a party or even great for a weeknight meal. To make this into an entree, serve over white or jasmine rice and add broccoli!

You can even turn it into a rice bowl and top with things like onions, tomatoes, sour cream, bell pepper and cilantro. Serve with a side of lime wedges. Or take things one step further and turn them into chipotle shrimp tacos!

Storage and Freezing

How to Store Chipotle Shrimp

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp should stay for up to three days.

Can I Freeze Chipotle Shrimp?

Unfortunately, I do not recommend storing in the freezer, but there should be no problem with that! I’d be surprised if you had any leftovers- it’s so good! 

chipotle shrimp with text overlay for pinterest

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Chipotle Lime Buttered Shrimp is a delicious, spicy shrimp recipe! The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with lime juice, make this recipe the perfect appetizer! #spicyshrimprecipe #sauteedshrimp www.savoryexperiments.com

Chipotle Shrimp

5 from 10 votes
Chipotle Lime Buttered Shrimp is a delicious, spicy shrimp recipe! The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with lime juice, make this recipe the perfect appetizer!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the clarified butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice, lime zest and chipotle peppers, set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over high heat. Ladle in just barely enough butter to coat the bottom and then add the shrimp. Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes or until pink.
  • Pour the remaining chipotle-lime butter into the skillet and heat for an additional minute to allow the flavors to marry.
  • Remove to a serving dish and garnish with fresh limes wedges and serve hot.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Nutrition

Calories: 510 kcal, Carbohydrates: 1 g, Protein: 23 g, Fat: 46 g, Saturated Fat: 28 g, Cholesterol: 400 mg, Sodium: 894 mg, Potassium: 103 mg, Vitamin A: 15 IU, Vitamin C: 8 mg, Calcium: 164 mg, Iron: 2.4 mg
Author: Chef Jessica Anne
Calories: 510
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: buttered shrimp
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
collage of chipotle shrimp with fresh limes for pinterest
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

5 from 10 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    This is the perfect combination of heat and flavor, and any seafood lover needs to try it. Can’t wait to cook this up again for my next gathering—it’s sure to be a hit!

  2. 5 stars
    This flavor packed spicy buttered shrimp is calling my name! It’s simple to make and full of amazing flavors that my family is sure to love. I can’t wait to make this.