Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Basil
Quickly sautéed shrimp infused with garlic, red chili flakes, and fresh basil for a spicy and aromatic seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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. 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 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, spread evenly in the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring until the edges turn pink and start to crisp.
- Step 3: Flip the shrimp and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves until wilted and aromatic.
- Step 5: Serve the shrimp hot with lemon wedges to squeeze over just before eating.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 11 minutes (5 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 Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Basil?
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 Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Basil?
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, Chili, and Fresh Basil 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 Shrimp with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Basil?
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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