Quick Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon

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

Juicy shrimp cooked in a garlic-lemon butter sauce with a hint of red pepper for a vibrant, 10-minute dinner. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals ready in about 15 minutes pairs shrimp, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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. 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: 5 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz shrimp dry with paper towels, season with 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 lemon, zested and juiced, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook for 1 minute until heated through; remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Quick Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon?

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 shrimp from drying out.

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

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 Quick Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon 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 Quick Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon?

Mediterranean quick meals 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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