Cilantro Garlic Aioli Shrimp

Name: Cilantro Garlic Aioli Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon wedges, for serving

Highlighted under: Taste the World Recipes

I absolutely love making Cilantro Garlic Aioli Shrimp because it's an easy yet impressive dish that bursts with flavor. The creamy aioli made from fresh cilantro and garlic elevates tender shrimp to new heights. I find this dish perfect for casual gatherings or even elegant dinners. The best part? It comes together in just a matter of minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you still want something special on the table.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-20T13:54:28.168Z

When I first decided to whip up Cilantro Garlic Aioli Shrimp, I wanted to create a dish that harmonizes freshness and richness. To achieve this, I combined a vibrant cilantro sauce with juicy, pan-seared shrimp. One tip I discovered along the way is to choose fresh cilantro over dried—it truly makes a difference in flavor!

As I perfected my aioli recipe, I also learned that letting the shrimp rest after cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s incredible how simple ingredients can work together to create a truly memorable meal that everyone will love.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy aioli with a zesty kick from fresh cilantro
Quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal
Flavorful shrimp that pairs well with various sides

      

Understanding the Aioli

The aioli in this recipe is a game changer, bringing a creamy and vibrant twist to the shrimp. The key ingredient here is mayonnaise, which serves as a stable base that combines seamlessly with the bold flavors of fresh cilantro and garlic. To achieve that perfect consistency, ensure your mayonnaise is at room temperature before mixing; this helps the aioli to emulsify properly, resulting in a glossy, cohesive sauce.

Cilantro adds freshness and a slight peppery note, making the aioli incredibly fragrant. If you're a fan of a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two, but remember that garlic can be quite potent; start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. The lemon juice not only brightens the aioli but also balances the creaminess, cutting through the richness beautifully.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

When selecting shrimp for this recipe, fresh or frozen options work beautifully, but always choose high-quality shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm, translucent, and free from any overpowering fishy smell. If using frozen shrimp, remember to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for quicker thawing; this ensures they cook evenly without becoming rubbery.

For even seasoning, be generous with salt and pepper when cooking the shrimp. Cooking them over medium-high heat provides a nice sear without overcooking; we want them pink and opaque, typically achieved in about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them—overcooked shrimp can become tough and chewy, so as soon as they’re cooked through, remove them from heat promptly.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Cilantro Garlic Aioli Shrimp, here’s what you need:

For the Aioli

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving

With all the ingredients gathered, you’re ready to prepare this delightful dish!

Instructions

Here’s how to make Cilantro Garlic Aioli Shrimp:

Prepare the Aioli

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Combine and Serve

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the heat and toss with the prepared aioli. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your flavorful dish of Cilantro Garlic Aioli Shrimp!

Pro Tips

For an extra punch, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the aioli for some heat. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or rice.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the aioli a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep for about 2-3 days. The flavors will deepen and meld, creating an even richer sauce. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.

If you’re planning to prepare the shrimp ahead of time, cook them as directed but consider undercooking them slightly, so they remain tender when reheated. Store cooked shrimp in the fridge for up to two days, and when ready to enjoy, simply reheat gently on the stove over low heat until just warmed through—this helps prevent overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

This Cilantro Garlic Aioli Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a light and refreshing option, serve it alongside a crisp salad or a bed of mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette. Alternatively, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the luscious aioli sauce.

For an elevated touch, you could also serve the shrimp as an appetizer. Skewer the shrimp and drizzle the aioli over them right before serving for a beautiful presentation. Add some sliced fresh veggies or toasted bread on the side for a complete, crowd-pleasing platter.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What can I serve with Cilantro Garlic Aioli Shrimp?

It pairs well with rice, a fresh salad, or even tortillas for shrimp tacos.

→ How long can I store the aioli?

You can store the aioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise for a lighter option.