Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter
Succulent Gulf shrimp pan-seared and finished with a zesty cilantro lime butter sauce, perfect for a quick seafood dinner. This latin american-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 18 minutes pairs Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, fresh cilantro, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb Gulf shrimp dry and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden along the edges, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, then return shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently for 1 minute to coat shrimp in the cilantro lime butter sauce before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter 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 Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter?
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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter?
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 Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter 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 Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Butter low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
