Quick Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fast and flavorful dish where succulent shrimp are sautéed with garlic and brightened with fresh lemon juice, perfect for a quick seafood meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 10 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring, allowing the shrimp to develop a light sear.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes until opaque and pink. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper during cooking.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly and serve hot.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 10 minutes (5 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 Lemon and Garlic?

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 olive oil from drying out.

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

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 Lemon and Garlic 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 Quick Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic?

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.

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