Garlic and Cilantro Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and fresh cilantro, swimming in a bright and spicy tomato sauce. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 17 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until edges turn pink.
- Step 3: Flip shrimp and add 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juices. Stir gently and cook for another 3 minutes until shrimp are opaque and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice for brightness. Serve immediately over rice or crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic and Cilantro Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Garlic and Cilantro Shrimp with Spicy Tomato 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 Garlic and Cilantro Shrimp with Spicy Tomato 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 Garlic and Cilantro Shrimp with Spicy Tomato 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 Garlic and Cilantro Shrimp with Spicy Tomato 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.
