Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon-Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp sautéed in a bright lemon-butter sauce with garlic and fresh parsley, perfect for a quick and flavorful seafood dinner. This seafood-inspired quick meals ready in about 12 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced 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 210 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound of large shrimp, seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes on one side until pink edges appear.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves; continue cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are opaque and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, tossing to coat the shrimp evenly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, spooning the lemon-butter garlic sauce over the shrimp.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon-Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 Lemon-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 Lemon-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 Lemon-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 Lemon-Butter Sauce?

Seafood quick meals 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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