Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Chili and Lime Zest

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-25 · Updated 2026-06-25

A vibrant seafood dish where plump shrimp are quickly sautéed with garlic, fresh chili, and zesty lime for a bright and serious flavor punch. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
• 1 small, finely chopped red chili
• 1 tsp, finely grated lime zest
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering.
2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped small red chili, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tsp finely grated lime zest and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, tossing to combine and serve immediately.