Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Chili and Lime

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

Succulent shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic, fresh chili, and zesty lime for a vibrant, spicy seafood dish. This latin american-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 12 minutes pairs large shrimp, fresh garlic cloves, fresh red chili 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 7 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced fresh garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced fresh red chili, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring until the shrimp start to turn pink at the edges.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes until fully opaque and curled. Remove from heat and immediately drizzle with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, tossing gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh herbal note.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 Spicy Chili and Lime?

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 Spicy Chili and Lime?

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 Spicy Chili and Lime 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.

Is Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Chili and Lime gluten free?

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

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