Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce
Juicy shrimp quickly sautéed and finished in a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce perfect for a light dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 10 minutes blends (peeled and deveined) large shrimp, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foaming. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Sauté the shrimp for 2 minutes on one side until pink and edges begin to curl, then flip and cook 1 more minute.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cooking for another 30 seconds until the butter melts and the sauce coats the shrimp.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce?
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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
