Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Lime Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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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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