Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chilli Flakes
Spicy and aromatic shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic and red chili flakes for a flavorful appetizer or light dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 13 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic edges just begin to turn golden.
- Step 3: Add 12 large shrimp (peeled and deveined) seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and immediately stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped parsley.
- Step 5: Serve shrimp warm with the garlic-chili oil spooned over top as a simple appetizer or alongside crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chilli Flakes take to make?
Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 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 Chilli Flakes?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Chilli Flakes?
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 Chilli Flakes 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 Chilli Flakes?
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.
