Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes, topped with a creamy avocado cilantro lime sauce for a refreshing finish. This mexican-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 16 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 ripe, peeled and pitted avocado
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp water. Blend until smooth and creamy; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Remove the shrimp from heat and drizzle with the prepared avocado cilantro lime sauce. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce?
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 Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime 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 Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime 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.
Is Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
