Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Calamansi Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and toss to combine. Serve immediately with steamed rice or crusty bread.

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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.