Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Herb Sauce
Succulent shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic, fresh herbs, and bright lemon for a light and flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp dry and season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without moving, until the undersides turn pink and begin to brown.
- Step 4: Flip shrimp and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Sauté and stir for 2 more minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 6: Toss shrimp to coat in the garlic lemon herb sauce and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Herb Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 11 minutes (5 min prep + 6 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Herb Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Herb Sauce?
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 Lemon Herb Sauce 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 Lemon Herb Sauce?
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.
