Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Coconut Vinegar Dipping Sauce

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

Quickly sautéed shrimp infused with garlic and served alongside a tangy coconut vinegar dipping sauce, perfect for a light Filipino appetizer or meal. This filipino-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, thinly sliced, vegetable oil 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 180 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: 8 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tbsp coconut vinegar, 1 tbsp fresh chili slices, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl until sugar dissolves to make the dipping sauce.
  4. Step 4: Transfer shrimp and garlic to a serving plate, garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro if using. Serve immediately with the tangy coconut vinegar dipping sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Coconut Vinegar Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Coconut Vinegar Dipping 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 Coconut Vinegar Dipping 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 Coconut Vinegar Dipping 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 Coconut Vinegar Dipping 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.

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