Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Take your weeknight dinner game to a new level with Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp—a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, but tastes like you’ve spent all evening in the kitchen. Plump shrimp get sautéed with aromatic garlic, tossed in a glossy, sweet-heat sauce, then crowned with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a meal that’s every bit as good as your favorite Asian restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a special-occasion showstopper or a quick dinner to spice up your routine, Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is the recipe friends and family will be raving about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is how such a simple lineup creates so much flavor, color, and irresistible aroma. Each component plays a key role—don’t overlook even the optional garnishes, which add just the right finishing touch.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star! Choose large shrimp for juicy, tender bites that soak up every drop of sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the garlic bloom without burning.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic foundation—there’s no such thing as too much garlic in this dish.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/2 cup): This is where all that crave-worthy sweet and mildly spicy flavor comes from.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers umami depth, balancing the sweet and heat.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lifts and brightens all the intense flavors so nothing overwhelms the dish.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle infuses the whole skillet with nutty, toasty perfume.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Add more or less depending on your inner spice fiend!
- Green onions (2, sliced, for garnish): A pop of fresh color and subtle crunch—highly recommended!
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional garnish): They look beautiful and lend a delicate crunch with every bite.
How to Make Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when that unmistakable garlicky aroma fills your kitchen—just be careful not to let it brown, as that could turn it bitter.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Scatter the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer over the fragrant garlic. Let them cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they start turning pink and opaque. This quick, hot sear locks in moisture and keeps them perfectly tender for your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
While the shrimp are cooking, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and (if you love some heat) the crushed red pepper flakes, in a small bowl. This powerhouse combo becomes the irresistible glaze that sets your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp apart from the rest.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Glaze
Pour your whisked sauce over the cooked shrimp, tossing everything to coat. Let it simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thicken and cling to the shrimp, creating that signature glossy finish—don’t skip this step, as it’s where all the flavors really come together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Slide the skillet off the heat, sprinkle on the sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and you’re ready to plate. The colors, aromas, and flavors all come alive, making Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp a dinner to remember.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! Topping your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp with a shower of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds vibrant color and fresh, crisp flavor. These little finishing touches make all the difference.
Side Dishes
You can make a whole meal out of this shrimp by pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice, tender rice noodles, or even a quick vegetable stir-fry. The lightly sweet, spicy sauce is just calling to be soaked up by your favorite sides—don’t be afraid to get creative.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp as an appetizer over crisp lettuce cups, skewered on party picks for easy bites, or atop cool cucumber ribbons for a refreshing twist. It transitions effortlessly from weeknight dinner to showstopping party platter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The sauce tends to thicken a bit when chilled, but the flavors stick around beautifully, making Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp a tasty “cook once, enjoy twice” option.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Slightly undercook the shrimp if you plan to freeze; that way, they stay tender when reheated. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Warm the shrimp and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Just heat until warmed through—overcooking can make the shrimp tough, so keep it gentle to maintain those snappy, juicy bites.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry with paper towels so they sear nicely and don’t water down the delicious Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp sauce.
Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you’re in a pinch, mix together honey, a bit of sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar. It’s not identical but will mimic that sweet-and-tangy effect that makes this shrimp so addictive.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Of course. Simply leave out the red pepper flakes, or stick to a sweeter chili sauce with low heat. You’re completely in control of the spice level of your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Quick-cooking veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli florets work well. Sauté them before adding the shrimp so everything finishes at the same time.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is fantastic tossed into a simple noodle salad, folded into a soft wrap with shredded lettuce, or served cold atop a crunchy slaw for a lunch that’s anything but boring.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp recipe—it’s quick, impressive, and so loaded with flavor that everyone at your table will be asking for seconds. Whether you’re a shrimp lover or just looking for a fast, fresh main with some wow-factor, this one’s sure to become a repeat in your kitchen!
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Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, featuring succulent shrimp coated in a sweet and tangy sauce with a hint of heat. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Cook shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque on both sides.
- Prepare sauce: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Cover shrimp with sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked shrimp and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can substitute honey garlic sauce or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
