Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Chili and Lemon
A quick skillet dish of succulent shrimp tossed in garlic butter with a hint of chili heat and fresh lemon zest for brightness. This seafood-inspired game day ready in about 15 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to foam.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and the remaining 1 tbsp butter, cooking for another minute until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Chili and Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Chili 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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Chili 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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Chili and Lemon 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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Chili and Lemon?
Seafood game day 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
- ★★★★★
The garlic butter sauce is divine. My kids even ate the shrimp without complaining.
- ★★★★★
So easy and flavorful. I'll definitely make it again.
- ★★★★★
I made it for my husband's birthday, and he said it was the best shrimp he's ever had!