If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s quick to whip up but leaves a lasting impression, this Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining succulent shrimp with a luscious sweet chili glaze, fragrant garlic, and just the right touch of heat, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, guaranteed to brighten weeknights or add a splash of excitement to your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together simply, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s dynamic flavors and textures. From plump shrimp to aromatics and bold sauces, everything is essential and easy to find.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or fully thawed frozen shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a light, healthy base that helps cook the garlic and shrimp evenly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: This is the heart of the recipe, providing sweetness with a gentle kick.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds savory depth and enhances umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings brightness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A nutty, toasted hint that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat, it’s easy to adjust.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh and crisp, they add color and a mild oniony bite as a finishing touch.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a delicate crunch and visual appeal right at the end.
How to Make Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This blend forms the luscious glaze that will coat the shrimp, bursting with sweet, tangy, and subtle spicy notes.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and golden. This quick step unlocks the garlic’s aromatic magic that will infuse every bite.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. This ensures they remain tender but perfectly cooked without losing their natural juiciness.
Step 4: Coat and Glaze
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked shrimp in the skillet. Toss everything together so the shrimp are evenly coated. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and forms a glossy glaze around each succulent piece.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Touches
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. These final touches bring fresh flavor, crunch, and vibrant color that make the dish irresistible.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds is all you need to elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. They add freshness and texture that complements the sticky, flavorful shrimp perfectly.
Side Dishes
This sweet chili garlic shrimp shines when paired with fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of the glorious sauce. You can also serve it over stir-fried vegetables or noodles for a complete Asian-inspired meal that’s both balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these shrimp as appetizers on skewers or nestled atop a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves for a light, flavorful finger food option. Wrapping them in rice paper with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime turns this recipe into a party-ready treat your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover shrimp to an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay delicious for up to 2 days, making this recipe perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners when you’re short on time.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe, place the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag. Keep in mind the sauce may slightly change texture upon thawing, but flavor will remain fantastic. Frozen shrimp can last up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, so they stay tender and infused with that irresistible sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to get the best texture and avoid watering down the sauce.
How spicy is this Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level is mild to moderate, thanks to the sweet chili sauce and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more flakes or omitting them altogether depending on your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it safe. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
While shrimp work best for their quick cooking and texture, you can try scallops or firm white fish fillets. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover shrimp are delicious tossed into salads, served in wraps, or reheated gently alongside steamed rice or noodles for a speedy meal the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe truly hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of flavors, simple prep, and stunning presentation. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an unexpected crowd-pleaser, I hope you give it a go and discover how effortlessly delicious shrimp can be. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main course featuring succulent shrimp glazed in a tangy and slightly spicy sweet chili sauce, enhanced with garlic, soy, and sesame flavors. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, this dish cooks in just 10 minutes on the stovetop and pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Glaze: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with shrimp. Toss to coat all shrimp evenly. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and glaze the shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds over the shrimp. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- Use fresh or fully thawed frozen shrimp for best results.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
