Sautéed Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice and Cilantro Lime
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes served over fragrant cauliflower rice tossed with fresh cilantro and lime juice. This whole30-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, minced garlic cloves, red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups cauliflower rice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 cups cauliflower rice. Stir frequently and cook for 5-6 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Serve the sautéed shrimp atop the cilantro lime cauliflower rice immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice and Cilantro Lime take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice and Cilantro 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice and Cilantro 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 Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice and Cilantro 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.
Is Sautéed Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice and Cilantro Lime 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.