Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lime Butter and Cilantro
Juicy shrimp quickly sautéed in a zesty garlic lime butter sauce, finished with fresh cilantro for a bright finish. This latin american-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 13 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, finely minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and hot.
- Step 3: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, stir in 4 cloves finely minced garlic, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lime Butter and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 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 Lime Butter and Cilantro?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lime Butter and Cilantro?
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 Lime Butter and Cilantro 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 Garlic Lime Butter and Cilantro low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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