Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Calamansi Butter Sauce
Succulent shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic and finished with a bright, tangy calamansi-infused butter sauce inspired by Filipino flavors. This filipino-inspired seafood ready in about 17 minutes blends pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsalted butter, thinly sliced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp (or substitute with lime juice) calamansi juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without moving to develop a light sear.
- Step 3: Flip shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook another 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 tbsp calamansi juice. Stir gently until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly, coating the shrimp.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and toss to combine. Serve immediately with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Calamansi Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Calamansi Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Calamansi Butter Sauce?
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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Calamansi Butter Sauce 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Calamansi Butter Sauce?
Filipino 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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
