Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter and Fresh Herbs

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

Quick sautéed shrimp tossed in a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley and basil for a light, flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Increase heat to medium-high, add the shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat shrimp evenly and cook for an additional 1 minute until sauce is hot and slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter and Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Butter and Fresh Herbs?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter and Fresh Herbs?

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 Butter and Fresh Herbs 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.

Is Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter and Fresh Herbs low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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