Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Calamansi, and Chili Flakes
Quick and flavorful Filipino-style shrimp sautéed with fragrant garlic, tangy calamansi juice, and a hint of heat from chili flakes. This filipino-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs pound, peeled and deveined shrimp, thinly sliced garlic cloves, red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 shrimp
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp (or substitute with fresh lime juice) calamansi juice
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp (for garnish) chopped green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and immediately drizzle 3 tbsp calamansi juice over the shrimp, tossing to coat and absorb the tangy flavor.
- Step 4: Transfer shrimp to a serving plate and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped green onions. Serve hot as a flavorful appetizer or main dish with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Calamansi, and Chili Flakes take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Calamansi, and Chili Flakes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Calamansi, and Chili Flakes?
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, Calamansi, and Chili Flakes 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, Calamansi, and Chili Flakes?
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.
