Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Garlic and Chili Flakes

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

Quickly sautéed shrimp infused with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and a touch of heat from chili flakes for a lively seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, minced 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 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: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook for 2 minutes without stirring until edges turn pink and start to crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and curled.
  5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, tossing to coat the shrimp.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Garlic and Chili Flakes take to make?

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 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 Lemon Garlic and Chili 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 Lemon Garlic and Chili 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 Lemon Garlic and Chili Flakes 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 Lemon Garlic and Chili 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.

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