Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Rice
Juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes served over fluffy cilantro-lime rice, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. This latin american-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Step 2: While the rice cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, seasoning with 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice until evenly combined.
- Step 5: Serve the garlic-chili shrimp atop the cilantro-lime rice, spooning any pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Rice take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Rice?
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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Rice?
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 Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Rice 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Rice 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.
