Cilantro-Lime Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with fresh cilantro and lime, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring to develop a light sear.
  4. Step 4: Flip shrimp and cook an additional 2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss shrimp gently to coat evenly with sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 min prep + 6 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cilantro-Lime Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce?

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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Cilantro-Lime Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Latin American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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