Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and finished in a bright lemon butter sauce for a quick and flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 13 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsalted butter, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, seasoned with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly opaque, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. Serve immediately with sauce spooned over.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce?
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 Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce 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 Shrimp with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce?
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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