Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter and Cilantro

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

Succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty chili-lime butter sauce and finished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant seafood dish. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 12 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 7 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb large shrimp and season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and slightly bubbling, about 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until pink and opaque on the edges.
  5. Step 5: Flip shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and curled.
  6. Step 6: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, coating the shrimp in the chili-lime butter sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with extra cilantro garnish if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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-Lime Butter and Cilantro?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter and Cilantro?

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-Lime Butter and Cilantro 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 Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter and Cilantro?

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.

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