Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili in Olive Oil
A simple yet flavorful dish of plump shrimp sautéed with garlic and red chili flakes in fragrant olive oil, perfect as an appetizer or light meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 12 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced 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 2, 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
- 12 pieces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 12 large peeled and deveined shrimp, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes to the oil, sauté for 1 minute until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden.
- Step 5: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley and 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness.
- Step 7: Serve immediately with crusty bread or over a bed of greens.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili in Olive Oil take to make?
Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 Garlic and Chili in Olive Oil?
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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili in Olive Oil?
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 in Olive Oil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 in Olive Oil?
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.
