Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce

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

Tender shrimp cooked quickly with garlic and lime, served with a creamy, zesty avocado-cilantro sauce perfect for dipping or drizzling. This mexican-inspired whole30 (dairy free, gluten free) ready in about 17 minutes blends pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, minced garlic cloves, medium, peeled and pitted avocado 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 medium peeled avocado, 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons water. Blend until smooth and creamy; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until shrimp start turning pink and edges curl.
  4. Step 4: Flip shrimp and cook an additional 2 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through. Remove skillet from heat.
  5. Step 5: Serve shrimp drizzled with the prepared avocado-cilantro sauce or use sauce as a dipping accompaniment.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 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 Shrimp with Avocado-Cilantro 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 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 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 Sauce dairy free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy free, 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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