Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Garlic and Lime
Juicy shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, brightened by fresh lime juice for a zesty and spicy seafood dish. This latin american-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 11 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without moving until the edges turn pink and start to curl.
- Step 4: Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Toss gently to coat the shrimp.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Garlic and Lime 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 Spicy Garlic and Lime?
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 Spicy Garlic and Lime?
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 Lime 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 Spicy Garlic and Lime 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.
