Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon and Chili

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

Succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic-infused olive oil with bright lemon zest and a touch of chili heat, perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 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: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb large shrimp, seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, spreading them in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without moving until edges turn pink and slightly crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully pink and opaque. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley.
  4. Step 4: Toss everything gently to coat shrimp evenly, then serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 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 Zesty Lemon and Chili?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon and Chili?

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 Zesty Lemon and Chili 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 Zesty Lemon and Chili?

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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