Fusion Recipe Lab / Recipe

Chile Lime Shrimp Arepa

Fast-seared shrimp with chile-lime butter, avocado, and cabbage in arepas.

Vehicle

arepa

Inspiration

Venezuelan / Mexican / Chinese

Flavor Profile

spicy, citrusy, savory

Meal Type

dinner

Protein

seafood

Spice Level

hot

Texture

crispy

Difficulty

easy

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Prep Style

quick-weeknight

Tags

seafood, handheld, spicy, quick

Notebook Entry

Description

A weeknight seafood arepa where buttery chile-lime shrimp carry most of the flavor load.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masarepa arepa dough
  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • Salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Pan-cook arepas until crisp outside and tender inside.
  2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
  3. Sear shrimp in oil for 1 to 2 minutes per side; finish with butter and lime juice.
  4. Lightly salt cabbage.

Assembly

  1. Fill split arepas with shrimp.
  2. Add cabbage and avocado slices.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with hot sauce.
  • Pair with simple black beans.

Notes or Variations

  • Use fish chunks if shrimp is unavailable.
  • Add chopped cilantro for freshness.