Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Lime Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick sautéed shrimp tossed in a zesty chili lime butter sauce, perfect for a vibrant seafood dinner or appetizer. This mediterranean-inspired easter ready in about 11 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 12 oz large peeled and deveined shrimp and season with 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat until foaming. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1 tsp lime zest, coating the shrimp evenly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the shrimp and serve immediately with warm crusty bread or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and 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 Garlic and 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 Garlic and 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 Garlic and Chili Lime Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Lime Butter?

Mediterranean easter 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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