Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes, topped with a creamy avocado cilantro lime sauce for a refreshing finish. This mexican-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 16 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, minced 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 ripe, peeled and pitted avocado
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp water. Blend until smooth and creamy; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Remove the shrimp from heat and drizzle with the prepared avocado cilantro lime sauce. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime 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 Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime 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 Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime 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.
Is Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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