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Get It NowIf you love quick and easy dinner recipes, you’ll wonder why this sauteed shrimp isn’t already on your dinner rotation. It has similar prep and taste to garlic butter shrimp or pan seared scallops, but even simpler to make, with fewer ingredients. Make this easy sauteed shrimp recipe your go-to for fast weeknight dinners or entertaining!
Why You’ll Love This Sauteed Shrimp Recipe
- Tender, juicy shrimp
- Bursting with flavor
- 5 simple ingredients
- On the table in less than 10 minutes
- Faster than baked shrimp
- Easy, healthy main dish on its own, or add it to other dishes!
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for sauteed shrimp, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Shrimp – I used 31-40 sized large shrimp, but smaller or jumbo shrimp also works. Adjust cooking time if using different sizes. Peel, devein, and keep tails for flavor. I don’t recommend cooking frozen shrimp because they will release more water into the pan, which can dilute the flavors, so thaw them first if they are frozen.
- Olive Oil – You could also use avocado oil, or any neutral cooking oil you prefer.
- Garlic – For the best flavor, use fresh garlic. If you don’t have any, 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic or 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder will work fine.
- Spices – Paprika and crushed red pepper flakes add warm flavor and a kick of spice to the sauteed shrimp. A sprinkle of cumin also works nicely here if you want to add it.
- Lemon Wedges – Serving with lemon wedges is optional, but a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish nicely.
How To Saute Shrimp
This section shows how to make sauteed shrimp, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Combine the spices. In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Coat the shrimp. In a large bowl, coat the shrimp with the spice mixture and minced garlic.
- Saute shrimp. Heat the olive oil in large cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook, flipping halfway through, until it’s pink and opaque. Serve sauteed shrimp with fresh lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of parsley if you like.
How Long To Saute Shrimp?
Saute shrimp for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also repurpose them to make a creamy shrimp salad or shrimp avocado salad.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, or it will turn rubbery.
- Freeze: Let the sauteed shrimp cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, and transfer to airtight containers or zip lock bags for long-term freezer storage for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Sauteed Shrimp Recipes
Now that you’ve made your shrimp, what are you going to serve with it? Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Rice – Complete your dish with garlic butter rice or for a lighter twist, try cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
- Salad – A fresh mango salad or orange mandarin salad would pair well with this dish, or replace chicken with shrimp in a chicken Caesar salad for a complete lunch.
- Noodles – Serve sauteed shrimp atop your favorite pasta, baked spaghetti squash, or make quick zucchini noodles in the same pan right after.
- Veggies – Pair with air fryer green beans or roasted asparagus with lemon zest.
- Sauces – A tangy garlic butter sauce or a zesty lemon butter sauce makes the perfect dip for juicy shrimp.
More Juicy Shrimp Recipes
There are so many ways to cook shrimp! Here are a few other ways to try this seafood:
Tools To Make Sauteed Shrimp
- Cast Iron Skillet – I’ll never need another! This one comes pre-seasoned and heats evenly.
Sauteed Shrimp (10 Minutes!)
Make a juicy, easy sauteed shrimp recipe in just 10 minutes, with simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
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In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, spice mixture, and minced garlic. Stir until the shrimp is coated in the spices.
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Heat the olive oil in large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Saute for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
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Serve sauteed shrimp with freshly squeezed lemon juice from the lemon wedges.
Did You Like It?
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/4 pound shrimp, or 1/4 of entire recipe
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂
4 Comments
Alicia Woods
0Super simple & very quick. Not too spicy but lemon adds the acid and a bit of much needed moisture. Will add a couple tbsp of butter next time. Shrimp & a green vegetable or salad and dinner is ready! Will certainly make again!
Diane V
0Just delicious. It was so easy to make, I couldn’t believe it. Great recipe!
Melissa
0This was incredible! So flavorful and juicy. A new favorite at our house!
Matt
0I love this sauteed shrimp recipe. The seasoning is great and the shrimp come out perfect!