Imagine being just a few minutes from unexpected guests, and not knowing what to prepare for an impressing appetizer.  Been there.  In fact, this has happened to me on more than one occasion.  …But I learned after the second time.   

I learned that it doesn’t take much effort to make these amazing cilantro lime shrimp bites.  (But don’t tell your guests that!) 

I started by marinating some peeled and deveined shrimp, then marinating them in a mix of garlic, lime, olive oil and cilantro.  The result smells incredible and they taste just as good!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 lime, juiced
• 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 cups rice (White or Jasmine)
• round tortilla chips

Marinate the deveined shrimp in the salt, pepper, lime juice, cilantro and olive oil.

While the shrimp marinates, put some white or jasmine rice to cook.  (One tablespoon of rice will be enough for two shrimp bites, so depending on how many bites you want to make, that will gauge how much rice you’ll need.)   I like the combination of cilantro and lime with Jasmine rice.

Heat a nonstick skillet on medium heat.  Slowly add the shrimp to the pan, and saute for 2 minutes. Turn the shrimp over, add the crushed garlic, and cook until the shrimp is cooked, about 1-2 minutes.  Drizzle with more lime juice, if desired.  Set to the side until ready to assemble, before serving.  (You don’t want the tortilla chips to get soggy.)

When ready to serve, place a spoonful of warm rice on a tortilla chip, then top with a cooked shrimp.  It’s so easy, yet so gourmet.