Name: Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); ½ cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat); 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional); Green onions (chopped, for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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If you’re craving a quick, flavor-packed dinner that feels just a little bit fancy, Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is destined to become your new weeknight hero. Juicy shrimp, bathed in a glossy, sticky-sweet chili sauce with pops of garlic and a gentle kick of heat, come together in one sizzling skillet. This dish is the perfect combination of bold Asian-inspired flavors and effortless simplicity, making it ideal for busy nights or impromptu gatherings. Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp will have you licking your fingers and wondering how something so easy can taste this good!

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish truly magical is how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something restaurant-worthy. Each one brings its own special touch, from the fresh bite of garlic to the sweet, tangy chili sauce that ties everything together in the pan.

Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Fresh or frozen both work well; just be sure they’re thawed and patted dry for a perfect sear.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the garlic and shrimp sauté to perfection.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The foundation of the dish’s bold, aromatic flavor.
Sweet chili sauce (½ cup): The star of the show, lending sweetness, tang, and a glossy finish.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Balances the sweetness with a hit of salty umami.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce with a gentle tang that cuts through the richness.
Sriracha (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who like it hot, this adds a customizable kick.
Grated fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, optional): Gives a zesty, peppery undertone if you love a little extra complexity.
Green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of color and crunch to finish your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp in style.

How to Make Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your freshly minced garlic. Let it sizzle and bloom for about 30 seconds, just until it smells irresistible and fragrant. This quick step unlocks a deep, savory base that will infuse every bite of shrimp with garlicky goodness.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot pan. Give them about 1–2 minutes per side, flipping when they start to turn pink and opaque. Don’t crowd the pan—this helps each shrimp get a lovely sear and keeps them tender, not rubbery. You want them just barely cooked through, as they’ll finish in the sauce.

Step 3: Mix Up the Sauce

While the shrimp are sizzling, quickly whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if you’re feeling spicy), and fresh ginger in a small bowl. This magic mixture is what turns simple shrimp into Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp, giving them their bold, glossy coating.

Step 4: Sauce and Finish

Pour the sauce into the skillet, making sure every shrimp gets coated. Toss everything together and let it bubble for another 1–2 minutes, just until the sauce thickens slightly and the shrimp are cooked through. The aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the pan off the heat and shower the shrimp with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if you like. Serve your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp while it’s piping hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy rice, twirled noodles, or alongside crisp steamed veggies to soak up every last drop of sauce.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds make this dish pop with color and crunch. If you like a little brightness, add a squeeze of lime or some chopped cilantro. These garnishes don’t just look beautiful—they add texture and a burst of fresh flavor that balances the sweet and savory sauce.

Side Dishes

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is deliciously versatile. Serve it over jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce, or toss with lo mein noodles for a heartier meal. For a lighter touch, pair the shrimp with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a vibrant Asian-style slaw. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this dish plays well with almost anything.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Pile your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp onto lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer, or skewer them for a party platter. They’re also fantastic atop a big salad with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of the leftover sauce. However you serve them, these shrimp are guaranteed to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a next-day lunch you’ll look forward to! Just be sure to let the shrimp cool completely before storing.

Freezing

While shrimp can be frozen, the sauce may lose some of its glossy texture after thawing. If you do freeze, store the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, gently reheat Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery. With just a little care, your leftovers will taste almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and prevents extra water from thinning out the sauce.

Is Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp spicy?

The base recipe is mildly spicy, thanks to the sweet chili sauce. If you like more heat, add the sriracha. If you prefer it milder, simply leave the sriracha out—the dish will still be packed with flavor.

What kind of sweet chili sauce should I use?

Any store-bought Thai-style sweet chili sauce works perfectly. If you have a favorite brand, use that! Some are sweeter or spicier than others, so taste and adjust the sriracha accordingly.

Can I make Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and peel the shrimp in advance, but for best results, cook everything right before serving. The dish cooks so quickly that a little prep ahead makes it even more effortless at dinnertime.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always double-check your chili sauce and other condiments to make sure they fit your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your dinner routine, give Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp a try. It’s fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to wow anyone who loves bold, saucy shrimp dishes. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to recipe for both quick weeknights and special occasions!

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with aromatic garlic and tossed in a tangy, sweet chili sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish combines a balance of sweetness, heat, and umami, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Marinade

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

Garnish

Green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, releasing its aroma into the oil.
Cook the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, just until they start to turn pink and opaque, indicating they are partially cooked.
Make the sauce: While the shrimp cooks, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and grated fresh ginger in a small bowl until well combined.
Add sauce to shrimp: Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Toss the shrimp to coat evenly in the sauce and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the shrimp for a fresh, nutty finish. Serve the sweet chili garlic shrimp immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

For better presentation, use tail-on shrimp or tail-off shrimp for easier eating.
This dish cooks very quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready before starting.
Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired