Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Calamansi Citrus Butter Sauce
Succulent shrimp quickly sautéed in garlic and finished with a bright, tangy calamansi and butter sauce for a fresh Filipino seafood dish. This filipino-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, thinly sliced garlic cloves, butter 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 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp calamansi juice (or substitute with fresh lime juice)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring until the underside is pink and slightly charred.
- Step 3: Flip the shrimp and add 3 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp calamansi juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to coat shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Season with salt to taste and sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Calamansi Citrus Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Calamansi Citrus 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 Garlic Shrimp with Calamansi Citrus 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 Garlic Shrimp with Calamansi Citrus 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 Garlic Shrimp with Calamansi Citrus 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.