Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Sauce

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

Juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and finished in a spicy, tangy tomato sauce that’s perfect over crusty bread or pasta. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, minced 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 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the shrimp.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp, toss gently, and remove from heat before serving warm with your choice of side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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.

Is Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Sauce gluten free?

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

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