Sautéed Garlic-Ginger Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter
Tender shrimp sautéed with fresh garlic and ginger, finished in a zesty chili-lime butter that delivers a perfect balance of heat and tang. This asian fusion-inspired seafood ready in about 14 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, kosher 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 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 2 minutes without moving until edges turn pink and edges start to crisp.
- Step 3: Flip the shrimp and add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are opaque and garlic and ginger are fragrant.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and remaining 1 tbsp unsalted butter to melt into a glossy chili-lime butter sauce.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the shrimp if using, and serve immediately with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic-Ginger Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter take to make?
Total time is about 14 minutes (8 min prep + 6 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-Ginger Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter?
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 kosher salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic-Ginger Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter?
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-Ginger Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter 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-Ginger Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter?
Asian Fusion 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.