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.

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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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