Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Chili Oil & Lime
A Restaurant-Style Seafood Recipe Perfect for Healthy Dinners, Keto Diets, and Gourmet Home Cooking
Description
This dish is a creamy garlic butter shrimp served over a silky yogurt or cream base, finished with chili oil, fresh herbs, and bright lime wedges. Visually stunning and deeply flavorful, it combines Mediterranean and modern fusion cuisine elements into one irresistible plate.
The shrimp are seared until perfectly caramelized, locking in a juicy texture while developing a smoky, spicy crust. They’re layered on a cool, tangy base that balances the heat of chili oil and the richness of butter. A final squeeze of lime cuts through the creaminess, making every bite vibrant and satisfying.
This recipe is ideal if you’re searching for:
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Healthy seafood dinner ideas
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High-protein low-carb meals
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Keto-friendly shrimp recipes
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Easy gourmet meals for entertaining
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Mediterranean-inspired comfort food
Whether you’re hosting guests or making a quick weeknight meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients (Unordered List)
Shrimp
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Large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
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Olive oil
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Unsalted butter
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Garlic cloves (minced)
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Smoked paprika
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Chili powder or chili flakes
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
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Chili oil (for finishing)
Creamy Base
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Greek yogurt or labneh (for a healthy option)
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Heavy cream or sour cream (for a richer option)
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Lemon juice
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Salt
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Garlic powder
Garnish & Finishing
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Fresh parsley or cilantro (finely chopped)
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Lime wedges
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Extra chili oil
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Cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions (Unordered List)
Preparing the Creamy Base
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In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt or cream with lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt
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Whisk until smooth and creamy
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Taste and adjust acidity or salt
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Spread evenly on a shallow serving bowl or plate
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Refrigerate while cooking shrimp to keep it cool and thick
Seasoning the Shrimp
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Pat shrimp completely dry using paper towels
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Place shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil
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Add smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne
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Toss until shrimp are evenly coated
Cooking the Shrimp
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat
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Add butter and allow it to foam
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Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant
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Place shrimp in a single layer
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Cook 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and opaque
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Spoon butter and garlic over shrimp while cooking
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Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking
Assembling the Dish
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Spoon hot shrimp over the chilled creamy base
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Drizzle chili oil generously over shrimp
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Garnish with fresh herbs and cracked pepper
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Add lime wedges for serving
Flavor Profile & Texture
This dish excels because of contrast:
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Hot, spicy, buttery shrimp
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Cool, creamy, tangy base
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Bright citrus acidity
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Fresh herbal aroma
It’s indulgent without being heavy and bold without being overpowering—perfect for those who enjoy balanced gourmet food.
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe fits well into several popular dietary lifestyles:
Health Benefits
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Shrimp is high in lean protein and low in calories
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Greek yogurt provides probiotics and calcium
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Garlic supports immune health
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Olive oil and chili oil offer healthy fats
Diet-Friendly
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Keto and low-carb friendly
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Gluten-free
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High-protein
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Mediterranean diet approved
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with warm pita or flatbread
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Pair with roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus
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Enjoy as an appetizer, main dish, or shared mezze plate
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Add a side salad for a complete healthy dinner
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Store shrimp and cream base separately in airtight containers
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Refrigerate up to 2 days
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Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet (avoid microwave for best texture)
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Do not freeze due to dairy separation
Common Variations
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Replace shrimp with scallops or salmon
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Add honey to chili oil for sweet heat
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Use tahini instead of yogurt for dairy-free option
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Add cumin or coriander for Middle Eastern flair
Related Questions (High-CPM SEO Keywords)
Healthy Cooking & Diet
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What are the best healthy shrimp dinner recipes for weight loss?
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Is shrimp good for a keto or low-carb diet?
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How many calories are in creamy garlic shrimp?
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Can shrimp be part of a Mediterranean diet meal plan?
Seafood & Protein
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What is the healthiest way to cook shrimp at home?
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Are shrimp high in protein compared to chicken or beef?
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How often should you eat seafood for optimal health?
Home Cooking & Gourmet Meals
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How do you make restaurant-style shrimp at home?
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What sauces pair best with spicy shrimp recipes?
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How do you avoid overcooking shrimp?
Entertaining & Lifestyle
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What are impressive but easy seafood dishes for guests?
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Can creamy shrimp dishes be made ahead of time?
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What wine pairs best with garlic butter shrimp?
Trending Food Topics
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What are the most popular high-protein dinner recipes right now?
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Are spicy seafood recipes trending in 2026?
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What are the best viral shrimp recipes on social media?
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Chili Oil & Lime is more than just a recipe—it’s a luxury dining experience made simple. With bold flavors, health benefits, and stunning presentation, it’s a perfect example of how easy gourmet cooking can elevate everyday meals.

