Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Garlic and Lime
Quick and vibrant sautéed shrimp tossed in a zesty chili garlic lime sauce, perfect for a light dinner or appetizer. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, about 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz large peeled and deveined shrimp along with 3/4 tsp salt, spreading them evenly in the pan. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring until the edges turn pink and start to curl.
- Step 4: Flip the shrimp and cook another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque.
- Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and immediately squeeze 2 tbsp fresh lime juice over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Chili 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Chili 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Chili 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Garlic and Lime for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Garlic and Lime?
Latin American 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.
