Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Lemon
Quick sautéed shrimp infused with garlic, red chili, and brightened with fresh lemon juice for a spicy, tangy seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 10 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring until the edges turn pink and begin to curl.
- Step 3: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 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, Chili, and Fresh Lemon?
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, Chili, and Fresh Lemon?
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, Chili, and Fresh Lemon 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, Chili, and Fresh Lemon?
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.
