Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Sauce
Tender shrimp quickly sautéed in a bright lemon and garlic sauce, perfect for a light and flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 10 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook without moving for 2 minutes until the underside is pink and slightly golden.
- Step 3: Flip the shrimp and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for another 2 minutes, spooning the melted butter and garlic over the shrimp until opaque and cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the bright lemon garlic sauce and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Garlic 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 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 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 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 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.
