Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Chili and Lime Butter Sauce

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

Juicy shrimp quickly sautéed in a bright and zesty butter sauce with garlic, fresh chili, and lime for a vibrant seafood dish. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes blends pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tablespoons unsalted butter, garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 6 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely mince 4 garlic cloves and thinly slice 1 small red chili pepper, removing seeds for less heat if desired.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming.
  3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and sliced chili to the butter and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, spreading them evenly. Cook without stirring for 2 minutes until pink on one side.
  5. Step 5: Flip shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro over shrimp and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately with crusty bread or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Chili and Lime Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 min prep + 6 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Chili and Lime Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Chili and Lime Butter Sauce?

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 Chili and Lime Butter Sauce 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 Chili and Lime Butter Sauce?

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.

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