Sautéed Garlic-Butter Shrimp with Spicy Chili and Citrus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with a kick of chili and bright citrus notes, perfect for a quick and satisfying seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free, low carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs large shrimp, unsalted butter, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring until the edges turn pink and start to crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss to coat evenly and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic-Butter Shrimp with Spicy Chili and Citrus take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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-Butter Shrimp with Spicy Chili and Citrus?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic-Butter Shrimp with Spicy Chili and Citrus?

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-Butter Shrimp with Spicy Chili and Citrus 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 Garlic-Butter Shrimp with Spicy Chili and Citrus gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low carb, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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