Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Lime Butter

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

Tender shrimp sautéed with a zesty chili lime butter sauce that adds a vibrant kick and silky finish. This Italian recipe, ready in about 11 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb large shrimp dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chili powder. Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not brown.
  3. Step 3: Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly charred at the edges. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Toss shrimp gently to coat in the chili lime butter sauce and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Lime Butter 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 Shrimp with Chili Lime Butter?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Lime Butter?

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 Chili Lime Butter 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 Shrimp with Chili Lime Butter?

Mexican italian 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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