Chile Lime Shrimp… This dish is inspired by traditional Peruvian Chile Lime Shrimp. Less well known in the U.S. than Mexican and Caribbean cuisines, but with its own sophisticated gastronomy and more than its share of world-class chefs, Peruvian cuisine (comida criolla) is a rich mixture of indigenous Andean, African, Asian, and Spanish/European culinary traditions that reflect the history and diverse ethnic composition of the Peruvian population. Serve this dish with a refreshing, colorful Mango Avocado Salad for a light meal that will engage all five taste senses. Alternatively, gift your guests a taste of Peru and serve a plate of these shrimp with lime wedges as hors-d’oeuvres. I hope this simple sample of comida criolla entices you to explore Peruvian cuisine the way it has me. Buen provecho!

Chile Lime Shrimp
Serves 4

Ingredients

1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined (I use 16-20 count large shrimp)
½ cup lime juice
Zest of 1 lime finely grated
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chile powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
2 Makrut lime leaves, center spine removed, very thinly sliced (optional)
4 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons finely minced or grated ginger root
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
kick it up a notch with a few drops of your favorite hot sauce

Preparation

In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, garlic, chile powder, cumin, cilantro, soy sauce, paprika, and ginger. Add the shrimp to the marinade, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Alternatively, my preferred method is to grill the shrimp over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side depending on the size of your shrimp. Remove from the heat and garnish with cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Wine pairing: a dry Riesling, a demi-sec Vouvray, or a Viognier will compliment this spicy dish.

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