Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chile Sauce

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

Quick sautéed shrimp tossed in a spicy regional chile sauce with garlic and fresh lime for a vibrant seafood dish. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 13 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, minced garlic 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 180 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: 5 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 2 tsp regional dried chile powder to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat, then stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, tossing to coat the shrimp evenly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chile Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 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 Garlic and Chile 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 Garlic and Chile 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 Garlic and Chile 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chile Sauce?

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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