Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic-Chili and Lime
Succulent shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic, red chili flakes, and a bright splash of lime for a flavorful and quick seafood dish. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 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 to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly caramelized.
- Step 3: Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and immediately drizzle with 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 4: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic-Chili and Lime 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 Lime?
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 Lime?
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 Lime 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 Lime?
Latin American 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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