Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Smoked Paprika and Lime

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

Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and smoky paprika, brightened with fresh lime juice for a quick and flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes pairs pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tablespoons olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add shrimp, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque with a slight crust forming.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and immediately stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro. Toss to coat and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Smoked Paprika and Lime?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Smoked Paprika 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 Smoked Paprika 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Smoked Paprika and Lime?

Mediterranean 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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