Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Basil and Chili Flakes

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

Quick and flavorful shrimp sautéed in garlic, fresh basil, and a hint of chili flakes for a spicy, aromatic seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 12 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic 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 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and edges start to crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook another 2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Toss gently and serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Basil and Chili Flakes take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 Shrimp with Basil and Chili Flakes?

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 Shrimp with Basil and Chili Flakes?

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 Shrimp with Basil and Chili Flakes 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 Shrimp with Basil and Chili Flakes?

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.

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