Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Calamansi Citrus Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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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.