Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Citrus and Chili Flakes

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

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A quick and vibrant shrimp dish featuring garlic, chili flakes, and a bright citrus kick perfect for a light dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired no-cook recipe (low carb), ready in about 11 minutes, pairs shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, 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: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 ounces of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until the edges turn pink and slightly crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Toss to coat evenly and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 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 Shrimp with Citrus 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 shrimp, peeled and deveined from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Citrus 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 Citrus and Chili Flakes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Shrimp with Citrus and Chili Flakes low carb?

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

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