Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Lime Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 brunch ready in about 11 minutes combines large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, minced garlic into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 3, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. 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 3 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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 busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

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 in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

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 brunch 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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