Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Texas Chili Lime Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty chili lime butter sauce with garlic and fresh cilantro, perfect for a quick, flavorful seafood dish. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with this spice mix until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and foaming.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without moving until edges turn pink and slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Flip the shrimp and add 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Cook for another 2 minutes, spooning the melted butter over the shrimp until fully cooked and glazed.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with warm tortillas or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Texas Chili Lime Butter take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas Chili Lime Butter 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 Texas Chili Lime Butter?

Mexican 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.

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