Chili Lime Shrimp Ramen Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms a simple pack of instant ramen into a gourmet experience with the zesty kick of lime and the bold flavor of chili-spiced shrimp. Plus, it’s super quick and easy to make, perfect for both impressing friends and satisfying my own craving for something delicious and comforting.

My Chili Lime Shrimp Ramen has vibrant flavors that pop from combining fresh lime zest and the not-so-subtle heat from powdered chilies. Shrimp are my protein of choice in this ramen, mainly because they cook up so quickly.

But a perfectly balanced broth is what really takes this meal from being merely “I-made-it” to being “I-had-it-in-a-restaurant-just-the-other-day-and-now-I-can’t-stop-thinking-about-it-what-am-I-gonna-eat-for-lunch?” status, and this one is really hitting the spot.

Ingredients

Prawns: High in protein, low in calories; contribute a sweet, rich taste.

Chili Powder: Delivers heat and spice with an abundance of antioxidants.

Lime Juice: Delivers bright citrus zing and is a vitamin C powerhouse.

Natural sweetness fulfills the function of taste balance.

It is a classic “flavor bridge.

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Honey is my primary sweetener, chosen not only for its taste but also for its health benefits.

Honey, like all sweeteners, contains calories.

But because honey is so sweet, one can use it in moderation without reducing the sweetness factor.

Garlic: Enhances taste with umami notes; promotes immune system performance.

Soy Sauce: A seasoning that provides umami and flavor depth.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pack of instant ramen noodles
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it is fragrant, about 1 minute.

2. The shrimp go into the pan. They get sprinkled with chili powder, salt, and pepper. They are cooked until they are pink and cooked all the way through, about 2-3 minutes on each side. They get removed from the pan and set aside.

3. In the same saucepan, pour the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer.

4. Add the instant ramen noodles to the simmering broth. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are tender.

5. Combine well the lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, and honey; then stir them into the soup.

6. Put the cooked shrimp back in the saucepan with any juice that has collected. Let the shrimp warm through in the broth for another minute.

7. Remove from heat and mix in the green onions cut into thin slices.

8. Sample the broth and make any necessary seasoning adjustments by adding more salt and pepper.

9. Serve the ramen with chili lime shrimp hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.

10. For those who like a little more lime juice than what is already incorporated in the dish, offer lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cups
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Zester or grater
8. Small bowl (for mixing lime juice, zest, soy sauce, and honey)
9. Tongs or slotted spoon (for handling shrimp)
10. Ladle (for serving)
11. Serving bowls
12. Cilantro cutter (optional)

FAQ

• Can I use frozen shrimp?Indeed, using frozen shrimp is acceptable; just be sure to fully defrost the shrimp before cooking them.
• Can I substitute the ramen noodles with another type of noodle?Of course, you can use any type of noodle you like. Rice noodles, soba noodles, or any noodle of your choice will work perfectly.
• Is there an alternative to lime juice?Lime juice can be swapped for lemon juice in equal amounts for a slightly different but still vibrant flavor.
• How spicy is this dish?The heat level can be altered by changing the quantity of chili powder, so go ahead and increase or decrease it depending on how you like your food.
• What if I don’t have cilantro?You can omit the garnish completely, or use parsley, if you don’t have cilantro to put on top.
• Can I use another protein instead of shrimp?Absolutely, chicken and tofu can be wonderful substitutes; just be sure they are cooked properly.
• Is vegetable broth a good substitute for chicken broth?Vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Instant ramen noodles:
You can use rice noodles or soba noodles instead of regular noodles to achieve a different texture.
Olive oil:
Use vegetable oil or avocado oil for a neutral-flavored alternative.
Chili powder:
Use cayenne pepper for more heat, or for a milder, smoky flavor, use smoked paprika.
Honey:
Substitute with agave syrup or brown sugar to maintain sweetness.
Chicken or vegetable broth:
Replace with miso broth or H2O with bouillon for comparable taste.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Shrimp Before cooking, marinate the shrimp for about 10-15 minutes with the chili powder, lime zest, and a bit of olive oil. This will elevate the flavor of the shrimp and infuse them with a more robust taste.

2. Enhance the Broth To add depth to the broth, consider incorporating a piece of ginger and a dash of fish sauce while simmering. This will add even more complexity and umami to your soup base.

3. Use Fresh Noodles If possible, substitute the instant ramen with fresh ramen noodles available at many Asian grocery stores. Fresh noodles have a superior texture and will absorb the flavors better.

4. Control the Heat Adjust the chili powder to your taste, and consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a sliced fresh chili for extra heat if desired.

5. Customize Toppings Besides cilantro and green onions, consider adding additional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, a soft-boiled egg, or thinly sliced red bell peppers for added texture and visual appeal.