Hey there, fellow Costco shoppers! I’ve noticed lots of confusion about Costco’s popular Cilantro Lime Shrimp, so I wanted to clear things up. The short answer? Yes, it’s fully cooked and ready to eat! But there’s more you should know about this tasty seafood option.
The Quick Rundown on Costco’s Cilantro Lime Shrimp
You’ll find this gem in Costco’s prepared foods section typically priced at $10.99 per pound. Most packages weigh around 1.5 pounds so you’re looking at about $15-17 per container. Here’s what makes it special
- Fully cooked and ready to eat
- Deveined and peeled (no messy prep needed!)
- Marinated in delicious cilantro-lime sauce
- Located near other prepared foods like beef stew and meatloaf
How to Tell It’s Pre-Cooked
Not sure if your shrimp is ready to eat? Here are some foolproof ways to check
-
Color Check: The shrimp should be:
- Opaque pink or white (that’s cooked!)
- Not gray or translucent (that would be raw)
-
Texture Test
- Should feel firm to touch
- Not mushy or slippery
-
Package Info:
- Look for “fully cooked” or “ready to eat” on the label
- No cooking instructions needed!
What’s Actually in This Stuff?
I was surprised to find it’s not just cilantro and lime! Here’s what’s actually in there:
- Cilantro and lime (obviously!)
- Fish sauce
- Shrimp base (includes cooked shrimp, salt, butter, potato flour)
- Garlic
- Sesame seeds
- Onion
- Various seasonings
Ways to Enjoy Your Pre-Cooked Shrimp
I’ve tried these shrimp multiple ways, and here are my favorite serving suggestions:
Cold Options:
- Straight from the package (perfect for snacking!)
- On top of salads
- In shrimp cocktail
- Mixed into ceviche
Heated Options:
- Quick taco filling
- Mixed into pasta
- Added to rice bowls
- On nachos or pizza
Nutritional Info You Should Know
For those watching their macros, here’s the good news per 4-ounce serving:
- Calories: 112
- Protein: 23.6g
- Fat: 1.2g
- Carbs: virtually none!
Storage Tips & Shelf Life
To keep your shrimp fresh:
-
Refrigerator Storage:
- Keep at 40°F or below
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality
- Can last up to 6-7 days from package date
-
Freezer Option:
- Can freeze for longer storage
- Thaw overnight in fridge
- Don’t refreeze after thawing
Is It Worth the Money?
At $10.99/lb, it’s pricier than raw shrimp, but here’s why I think it’s worth it:
Pros:
- Zero prep work needed
- Consistently good flavor
- Super convenient
- Great for parties
- Versatile ingredient
Cons:
- More expensive than raw shrimp
- Can’t control seasoning
- Limited shelf life
DIY Alternative
Wanna save some cash? Here’s my quick recipe to make your own:
Ingredients needed:
- Raw shrimp
- Lime juice
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Quick Steps:
- Clean shrimp (if needed)
- Cook in skillet (90 seconds per side)
- Mix with other ingredients
- Done!
Recent Updates & Availability
Just a heads up – some Costco locations have recently discontinued this item (as of late 2023). If your store still carries it, you might wanna stock up! Some locations offer occasional $3 off sales, bringing the price down to about $8.55 per pound.
Final Thoughts
I gotta say, while the price might seem steep, the convenience and taste make Costco’s Cilantro Lime Shrimp totally worth it. It’s saved my behind during last-minute dinner parties more times than I can count! Just remember – it’s already cooked, so no need to break out the pots and pans unless you want to heat it up.
Have you tried these shrimp? What’s your favorite way to serve them? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Note: Prices and availability may vary by location and time of year. Check with your local Costco for current details.
WHY COSTCO’S CILANTRO LIME SHRIMP
Well for starters, it is delicious. When I shop at Costco, I always tend to take home some of the prepared cilantro lime shrimp since it makes for such an easy and quick meal. Since the shrimp is already pre-cooked and seasoned, it’s a great way of bringing together a meal quickly. You can use this shrimp as a main course and pairing it with some rice and beans or even throw it in a wrap. Or you can use them as an appetizer and pair it with some toasted bread and a homemade pico de gallo.
However, I’m one to always want to prepare meals myself so I can truly control the quality and amount of ingredients used. This easy shrimp recipe is no different. I kept the ingredients list pretty simple and seasoned my shrimp with some pantry staple spices. While my version is slightly different than the Costco version given I prefer to make a marinade with my cilantro lime sauce instead of a cilantro lime finisher, it’s just as tasty and flavorful healthy recipe.
Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp
INGREDIENTS FOR CILANTRO LIME SHRIMP RECIPE
I love this recipe because the ingredients are simple. I tweaked them ever so slightly from my traditional cilantro lime marinade that I typically pair with chicken. For this recipe you will need:
- Fresh cilantro – a little bit lemony with a slightly pungent taste
- Fresh lime juice – bright and citrusy and helps cut through the heat. Can also use lemon juice as a good substitute
- Red onion – I generally prefer red onion in this marinade as it’s a milder flavor profile than yellow or white onion
- Fresh Jalapeño – packs some heat and spice with a bit of jalapeño. If you want to lessen the heat then strip the seeds prior to blending
The spices used to season the shrimp are: black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes and old bay seasoning.
Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp. Keto or Not?
FAQ
Is Costco shrimp cocktail raw?
Is Costco shrimp ceviche cooked? Yes. Though traditional recipes use raw shrimp, Costco’s uses cooked shrimp. Since I’m doing a copycat recipe, I decided to use cooked shrimp just like Costco does.
Is Kirkland shrimp cooked?
Kirkland Signature Farm-Raised Cooked Shrimp, Tail-Off, 50-70-count per Pound, 2 lbs. Resealable Bag; No Preservatives; No Chemicals Added; Peeled and Deveined; Product of Vietnam.
How to cook raw shrimp from Costco?
- Mix the frozen shrimp with spices like pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano.
- Place a baking sheet in the oven and heat the broiler on high for 10 minutes.
- Spread the shrimp onto the hot baking sheet and broil for 5-6 minutes until opaque and pink.
Is Costco raw shrimp deveined?
Kirkland Signature Farm-Raised Raw Shrimp, Tail-Off, Peeled, Deveined, 31-40 ct, 2 lbs | Costco.
What is Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp?
Costco Cilantro lime shrimp is a simple recipe with a citrus tang that works superbly with Mexican flavors, salad, rice, or tacos. Tag me on Instagram @theforkbitedotcom or leave me a comment or rating below.
Can you use Costco Lime Shrimp?
You can use the Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp to make a filling, delicious and healthy weeknight recipe! The shrimp are highly versatile with bright flavor tones. Add the Tattooed Chef Cauliflower Stir Fry to the wok and toss every minute for 4-5 minutes. Add the Cilantro Lime Shrimp and toss. If using, add the Green Dragon Hot Sauce and toss.
Does cilantro lime shrimp need to be refrigerated?
When cooked, shrimp can remain at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it needs to be refrigerated. To store your cilantro lime shrimp, place it into an airtight container or bag and keep it in the fridge for up to four days.
What is cilantro lime shrimp?
Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a delicious dish made with cilantro, lime, and shrimp. The cilantro and lime are combined with butter to produce a silky dressing, and together with the shrimp, it makes an excellent snack or starter when paired with pasta, rice, tacos, or tortillas.
How long does it take to cook shrimp at Costco?
This Costco cilantro lime shrimp is a simple recipe that only requires about 10 minutes of your time to make. Shrimps are great ingredients for any dinner, healthy and nutritious, a cinch to cook, and absolutely delicious.
How long does cilantro lime shrimp take to cook?
Cilantro Lime Shrimp are insanely flavorful and easy to whip up in about 10 minutes. They are delicious served chilled on a platter for a super easy appetizer or as the main meal. Chill them and add them to a salad, or serve them up warm in soft tacos and quesadillas, these Cilantro Lime Shrimp are so versatile!