Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Oil
Shrimp cooked to perfect tenderness in a fragrant garlic-chili oil sauce that finishes in under 5 minutes. This italian-inspired new year (high protein) ready in about 17 minutes pairs shrimp, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 12 oz shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and devein shrimp, then pat dry with paper towels. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without stirring until pink and opaque on one side.
- Step 3: Flip shrimp and cook for 1 minute more until fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 4: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until garlic is golden but not browned.
- Step 5: Squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon into the skillet, add 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and return shrimp to the pan. Toss for 30 seconds until heated through and fragrant.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Oil take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (12 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Oil?
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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Oil?
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 Garlic and Chili Oil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Garlic and Chili Oil high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The garlic and chili oil made the shrimp incredibly aromatic. Served it with pasta for a quick yet elegant meal.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Perfect for New Year's Eve dinner with my family.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor overall, but the shrimp turned out slightly bland for my taste. Would add extra lemon zest next time.