Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lime Rice

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

Succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes, served on a bed of fluffy rice infused with fresh lime and cilantro. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long-grain white rice until water runs clear, then combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer rice for 18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender, then fluff with fork.
  3. Step 3: Stir 1 tbsp lime zest, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro into the cooked rice, mixing gently.
  4. Step 4: While rice cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Step 6: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  7. Step 7: Remove shrimp from heat and serve immediately over the zesty lime cilantro rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lime Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Lime Rice?

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 Zesty Lime Rice?

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 Lime Rice 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 Lime Rice?

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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