Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Lemon Zest
Succulent shrimp sautéed quickly with fresh garlic, red chili flakes, and bright lemon zest for a flavorful, simple seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 13 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, thinly sliced fresh garlic cloves 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 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced fresh garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to coat with garlic and chili.
- Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
- Step 6: Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Lemon Zest 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 Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Lemon Zest?
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 Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Lemon Zest?
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 Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Lemon Zest 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 Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Lemon Zest?
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.
