Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce

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

Succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, finished in a bright lemon butter sauce for a simple yet flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque and pink.
  4. Step 4: Remove shrimp to a plate, then add remaining 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet, toss to coat in lemon butter sauce.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over shrimp and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Spicy Garlic and Lemon Butter 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 Spicy Garlic and Lemon Butter 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 Spicy Garlic and Lemon Butter 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 Spicy Garlic and Lemon Butter 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.

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