Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe

There is something truly irresistible about the vibrant flavors and juicy texture of the Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe. This dish perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the chili sauce with the pungent warmth of garlic and fresh ginger, creating a delightful explosion of taste in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe is wonderfully simple yet packed with personality, making it a firm favorite for seafood lovers everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that all bring something special to the table. Each component is essential, contributing to the vibrant color, bold flavors, and perfect texture that make this dish a standout.

• 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, shrimp provide a tender, slightly sweet protein that cooks in minutes.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a perfectly seared shrimp with a subtle fruity undertone.
• 3 cloves garlic minced: Adds a robust aroma and depth that elevates the entire dish.
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: Brings the essential sweet and mildly spicy glaze that defines the recipe.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Offers a touch of saltiness and umami to balance flavors, or tamari for gluten-free.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice: Infuses a bright, tangy freshness that cuts through the richness.
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Gives a gentle warmth and fragrant lift.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like to dial up the heat.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall seasoning.
• 2 green onions sliced: Adds a crisp, mild oniony crunch as a finishing touch.
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): A toasty sprinkle for texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—this simple step ensures they will sear beautifully instead of steaming. Lightly season with salt to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn just pink and curls slightly. This quick sear locks in the tenderness and juices.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the fragrant aromas fill your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait for the next bite.

Step 4: Add Sauces and Simmer

Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice, tossing everything gently to coat the shrimp evenly in the glossy sauce. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and hugs each shrimp perfectly.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top. These final touches add freshness, crunch, and a hint of nuttiness that completes the dish beautifully.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing with fresh green onions instantly brightens the dish and adds a lovely crunch. Toasted sesame seeds are a fantastic optional addition that lend a subtle nutty flavor and an inviting visual pop. Feel free to sprinkle a few extra red pepper flakes if you crave a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or a bed of stir-fried noodles for an Asian-inspired meal. For a lighter touch, serve it in crisp lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cucumber for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn this dish into appetizers by skewering the shrimp with some grilled pineapple chunks, creating a sweet-savory bite everyone will love. Alternatively, toss the shrimp into a crunchy salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a drizzle of lime dressing for a vibrant lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that might require some serious self-control), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, so you can enjoy the delectable flavors again without any hassle.

Freezing

While shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp in a sealed container for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Alternatively, a quick microwave burst (about 30 to 45 seconds) works, but be careful not to dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water in the pan.

How spicy is this Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe?

It has a gentle warmth from the sweet chili sauce and optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily customize the heat level by adding more flakes or a splash of sriracha if you prefer it fiery.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

What can I serve instead of rice or noodles?

Lettuce cups make a fantastic low-carb alternative, adding a crisp texture and fresh contrast that complements the saucy shrimp beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the sauce and shrimp separately beforehand, then combine and warm them just before serving to keep everything vibrant and perfectly cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe is an absolute joy to cook and even more delightful to eat. Its bold flavors, quick prep time, and versatile serving options make it a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. I hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for it again and again — it has that kind of magic in every delicious bite!

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.2 from 68 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a tangy sweet chili sauce with garlic, ginger, and a hint of lime. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines Asian-inspired flavors with an easy stovetop method, making it an ideal choice for a delicious and healthy meal ready in just 16 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Shrimp and Marinade

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt to ensure they develop a good sear when cooked.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Cook Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn just pink and are opaque, then reduce heat to medium.
4. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the skillet, stirring them into the shrimp for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice, stirring well to coat all the shrimp evenly. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
6. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the shrimp.
7. Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the shrimp before serving.

Notes

• Serve these flavorful shrimp over steamed rice, noodles, or in fresh lettuce cups for a light meal.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp that are thoroughly thawed also work well.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired