Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Herb Sauce
Tender shrimp quickly sautéed and coated in a vibrant lemon-garlic herb sauce, perfect served over rice or pasta for a light meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 10 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, unsalted butter 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 180 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 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook for 2 minutes without stirring until the shrimp edges turn pink and start to curl.
- Step 3: Flip shrimp and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes if using; sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and shrimp are cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; toss to coat shrimp evenly and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Herb Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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.
