Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and Capers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, quick seafood dish featuring plump shrimp cooked in garlic and lemon, finished with briny capers for a savory-sweet finish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp drained capers, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, cooking for 1 minute until flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp lemon zest. Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and Capers 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 Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and Capers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and Capers?

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-Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and Capers 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.

What goes well with Garlic-Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and Capers?

Mediterranean 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes