Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Butter Sauce
Juicy shrimp quickly sautéed with a rich garlic chili butter sauce, perfect for a fast and flavorful seafood dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsalted butter, thinly sliced 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
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden.
- Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring until the edges turn pink and begin to crisp.
- Step 3: Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tsp lemon zest. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp in the buttery, garlicky sauce, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 11 minutes (5 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 Garlic and Chili Butter 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 Chili Butter 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 Chili Butter 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 Chili Butter Sauce?
Mediterranean 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.
