Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Appetizer

When Costco released their cilantro lime shrimp, it quickly became a staple. We remember grabbing a chilled tray of Costco cilantro lime shrimp for a beach picnic one summer—zesty, juicy shrimp that disappeared in minutes. That’s when we knew we had to recreate the Costco cilantro lime shrimp recipe ourselves.

But then came the question: Was Costco cilantro lime shrimp discontinued? Many couldn’t find it. Whether it’s seasonal or just regional, now you can make this copycat Costco cilantro lime shrimp recipe at home—fresh, flavorful, and easy.

This version of the Costco cilantro lime shrimp recipe is brighter and bolder. It features roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a spicy chili kick that takes it beyond store-bought. You can serve this shrimp in tacos, wraps, or salads, or enjoy it straight from the skillet—just like you would with the original Costco cilantro lime shrimp.

If you’ve been craving this dish, our Costco cilantro lime shrimp recipe is your year-round fix. Ready in 20 minutes, customizable, and packed with flavor, it’ll win a spot in your regular rotation.

Want more ideas like this? Explore the Sandwiches-Snacks section for more shrimp wraps and seafood snacks that rival this Costco-inspired favorite.

Make Your Own Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp at Home

Everything You’ll Need for Costco-Style Shrimp

The secret to this Costco cilantro lime shrimp recipe is in the sauce. Unlike the store version, this one uses roasted garlic and spicy harissa for added depth and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shrimp: Use 1½ pounds of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Thawed frozen shrimp works perfectly.
• Garlic: A whole small head, roasted for rich, mellow flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: 1 cup chopped. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley, mint, or basil are great swaps.
• Lime Juice: Juice from one lime for that signature tang.
• Dry White Wine (Optional): Adds dimension, but you can use extra lime juice instead.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 to 4 tablespoons, plus more for coating the shrimp.
• Harissa or Chili Paste: 2 tablespoons to bring some smoky heat. Harissa is a North African chili paste made with roasted peppers and spices. It adds a subtle heat to the shrimp. If you’ve never used it before, you can learn more about it on Wikipedia.
• Salt and Pepper: Keep it simple, just season to taste.

Want to see more creative shrimp dishes like this? Check out our fresh ideas in Salads-Starters for simple, crowd-pleasing bites.

How to Roast Garlic & Prep Your Sauce

Start by roasting the garlic—it’s easy and makes a huge difference. Just trim the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast it in a 400°F oven for 10–15 minutes until soft and fragrant. Once it’s cool enough, crush the cloves finely.

In a bowl, whisk together the crushed roasted garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, white wine (if using), olive oil, and harissa. That’s your flavor-packed sauce—bold, tangy, and a little spicy, just like Costco’s but better.

You can even make this sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time. Next, we’ll show you how to cook the shrimp to perfection—on the grill, skillet, or oven.

How to Cook Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp Perfectly Every Time
Best Ways to Cook Shrimp – Grill, Skillet, or Oven

No matter how you cook them, shrimp should be juicy, slightly crisped on the edges, and perfectly pink. The good news? This Costco cilantro lime shrimp recipe makes that super easy.

Grill Method (Best for Char)
Heat your grill or indoor griddle to high. Toss the shrimp with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and grill for 2 minutes per side. The grill adds a beautiful char that pairs perfectly with the bold garlic-lime sauce.

Cast Iron Skillet (Quick & Easy)
Heat a cast iron skillet until very hot. Add a thin layer of olive oil, then cook the shrimp in a single layer for about 2 minutes per side. You’ll get golden sear marks and rich flavor—perfect if you’re short on time.

Oven-Roasted (Mess-Free Option)
Prefer a hands-off method? Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast on a sheet pan for 6–9 minutes. Easy cleanup and consistent results.

Whichever method you choose, avoid overcooking—shrimp cook fast. Even jumbo ones are done in under 5 minutes.

Looking for more recipes you can cook with shrimp in minutes? Head over to our Sandwiches-Snacks section for tacos and wraps that pair perfectly with this dish.

Serving Ideas Beyond Costco Style

Costco typically serves their cilantro lime shrimp chilled, straight from the container. But you’ve got better options. Here are a few fresh ways to enjoy it:

• Shrimp Wraps or Lettuce Cups – Add a dollop of avocado or sour cream for balance.
• Tacos – Toss into soft corn tortillas with shredded cabbage and pickled onions.
• Over Pasta – Lightly coat angel hair pasta with the same garlic-lime sauce.
• Salad Topper – Serve warm or cold over a bed of greens with a little extra lime juice.

You can even chill the shrimp after cooking to recreate the Costco cilantro lime shrimp experience exactly—but with fresher, more flavorful results.

How to Store, Freeze, and Customize Your Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Can You Freeze Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp?

One of the most common questions we get is whether you can freeze this shrimp dish. The answer is yes—with a few notes.

Cooked shrimp freezes well if you cool it completely first. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. To maintain its zesty flavor and texture, we recommend storing the shrimp separately from the sauce if possible.

When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a skillet. Or serve chilled as you would with the original Costco cilantro lime shrimp recipe. Just note that while freezing works, the flavor is always best fresh.

Want more easy, prep-ahead dishes? Don’t miss our quick weeknight options in the Salads-Starters section—they pair perfectly with shrimp.

Flavor Variations for Every Herb Lover

Don’t love cilantro? You’re not alone—and the great news is that this dish adapts beautifully.

Try one of these fresh twists:

• Parsley + Lemon: A brighter, more neutral herb combo.
• Mint + Lime: Great for summer. Adds a cool, vibrant note.
• Basil + Garlic: For an Italian-inspired flavor twist.

You can also tweak the heat level by swapping harissa with chili flakes, sriracha, or even a smoky chipotle sauce. Want a creamier version? Stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to mellow the spice.

This recipe is incredibly versatile—it’s what makes it better than anything store-bought. Whether you’re using it as an appetizer or stuffing it into tacos, it fits every meal and mood.

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FAQs About Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe

Conclusion

We’ve always believed that great food doesn’t have to be complicated—and this Costco cilantro lime shrimp recipe is proof. With just a few fresh ingredients and 20 minutes, you’ll have a bold, Mediterranean-style shrimp dish that’s even better than the original. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, wrapping it in tortillas, or tossing it over pasta, it brings that zesty, garlic-lime flavor you crave.

And if you’re building a menu, pair it with our favorite wraps and tacos over in the Sandwiches-Snacks section. You’ll find fresh ideas that work for every occasion.