If you’re looking for something fast, flavorful, and packed with protein, this Keto Butter Shrimp & Chorizo Skillet is going to be your new favorite. It’s a one-pan meal, so there’s less cleanup, and the flavors are so bold you’ll forget you’re even eating low-carb. The buttery shrimp, the smoky chorizo, and the garlicky sauce come together in a way that just works.
This dish is perfect for weeknights when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, so if you’re having friends over, they’ll think you spent way more time on it than you actually did.
Why This Recipe Works
- Low-carb & keto-friendly – High in protein and fat, with almost no carbs.
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Big flavors – Spicy chorizo, rich butter, and garlicky shrimp make every bite incredible.
- One-pan meal – Less mess, more flavor.
If you’ve got shrimp, chorizo, and some pantry staples, you’re already halfway there.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a meal this good, the ingredient list is surprisingly simple:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 6 oz Spanish chorizo (sliced)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Optional Add-Ons:
- ½ tsp cayenne (for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (for a richer sauce)
- ½ tsp onion powder (for extra depth)
- Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice (for serving)
Most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen, especially if you cook keto meals often.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Get Everything Prepped
Before you start cooking, have everything chopped and ready. Slice the chorizo into thin rounds, mince the garlic, and pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear better in the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chorizo (no need for oil; it has enough fat). Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges crisp up and it releases its flavorful oils.
Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a plate, leaving the oil in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of butter. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the chorizo.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then add the remaining 2 tbsp butter to the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
If you’re adding heavy cream, stir it in now for a creamier sauce.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the shrimp and chorizo to the skillet. Stir everything so it’s coated in the buttery garlic sauce. Let it cook for another minute, just to warm everything through.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
And just like that, you’re done.
What To Serve It With
Since this dish is keto, you’ll want low-carb sides that soak up that rich sauce. Here are some great options:
- Cauliflower rice – Light, fluffy, and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Zucchini noodles – Quick, easy, and adds a little freshness.
- Wilted spinach or kale – Toss some greens into the pan right before serving.
- Grilled asparagus – A little crunch to balance the richness.
If you’re not strictly keto, crusty bread would be perfect to mop up all that buttery goodness.
Tips For The Best Shrimp & Chorizo Skillet
✔ Use raw shrimp – Pre-cooked shrimp will turn rubbery.
✔ Don’t overcook the shrimp – They cook fast, so watch them closely.
✔ Get high-quality chorizo – Spanish chorizo (not the fresh Mexican kind) works best here.
✔ Control the heat – If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne.
How To Store & Reheat
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish), here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as shrimp can get rubbery when frozen and reheated.
- Reheat: Warm it up in a pan over low heat, adding a little butter if needed.
Why You’ll Want This Again & Again
This isn’t just a one-time thing. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave weekly. It’s packed with flavor, takes almost no time, and fits right into a keto diet without feeling like “diet food.”
The smoky chorizo gives every bite that extra punch, while the butter and garlic turn it into something rich and comforting. Add in the fresh lemon and parsley, and you’ve got a dish that feels balanced—bold, but not overwhelming.
It’s a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.
Conclusion
If you love quick, flavorful meals, this Keto Butter Shrimp & Chorizo Skillet is about to be your new favorite. It’s got that perfect mix of heat, richness, and freshness that keeps every bite interesting.
Make it once, and it’ll be in your regular meal rotation before you know it.
Now go grab a skillet and make some magic happen.