Best Sautéed Garlic Shrimp

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick, garlicky shrimp with a hint of lemon and parsley, ready in 18 minutes. This american-inspired seafood (high protein) ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Squeeze 1 lemon's juice over the shrimp and add 1 tsp lemon zest.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and cook for 1 minute more until shrimp are fully cooked and flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Sautéed Garlic Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Sautéed Garlic Shrimp?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Sautéed Garlic Shrimp?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Sautéed Garlic Shrimp for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Best Sautéed Garlic Shrimp high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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