Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick sautéed shrimp tossed in a flavorful garlic and red chili flake sauce, perfect for a spicy appetizer or main course. This mediterranean-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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until shrimp start turning pink and edges are crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes?

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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes?

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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes 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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