Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro Rice

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

Tender shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic and lime, served over fluffy cilantro-infused rice for a zesty, aromatic seafood dinner. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 teaspoon lime zest and 2 tablespoons lime juice, tossing to coat the shrimp evenly. Season with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and adjust salt if needed.
  5. Step 5: Remove rice from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Serve the garlic lime shrimp over the cilantro rice immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Lime and Cilantro Rice?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lime and Cilantro Rice?

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 Lime and Cilantro Rice 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 Lime and Cilantro Rice?

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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