Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Zesty Lime Rice
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and red chili flakes served over fluffy rice infused with fresh lime juice and zest. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Step 2: While the rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled shrimp to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Remove rice from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice and 1 tsp lime zest to the rice.
- Step 5: Plate the lime rice topped with the sautéed shrimp and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Zesty Lime Rice take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Zesty Lime Rice?
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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Zesty Lime Rice?
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 Zesty Lime Rice 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 Zesty Lime Rice?
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.
