Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Lime Butter Sauce

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

Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic-infused butter with a zesty lime and chili kick, perfect for a quick and flavorful seafood dinner. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 12 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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 250 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp and season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat until foaming.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2 minutes on one side until pink and opaque at edges.
  4. Step 4: Flip shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and curled, then remove skillet from heat.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves, tossing to coat the shrimp evenly in the spicy lime butter sauce. Serve immediately with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Lime 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 Spicy Lime 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 Spicy Lime 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 Spicy Lime 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 Spicy Lime Butter Sauce?

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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