If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comes together in no time, this Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture tender shrimp enveloped in a glossy, sweet, and mildly spicy glaze made from Asian sweet chili sauce, fresh garlic, and a zing of lime juice. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, this recipe hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and savory depth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the first step to creating this flavorful dish. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s building the sauce’s complex flavor, adding texture, or bringing vibrant color to the plate.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp provide tender, juicy protein that’s the star of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A neutral oil that ensures the shrimp cooks evenly without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an irresistible aromatic punch that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: The core of the glaze, delivering that signature sweet and subtly spicy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings umami depth and balances the sweetness with a touch of savory saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the sauce with lively acidity and freshness.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who prize a bit more heat, this adds a gentle kick without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional): Use this slurry to thicken the sauce if you prefer a clingier coating on your shrimp.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: These finishing touches add crunchy texture and lovely visual appeal.
How to Make Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures your shrimp will sear beautifully, developing a lovely texture without steaming. Heat olive oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for around 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous pink and become opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to keep things tidy while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Using the same pan keeps that wonderful shrimp flavor locked in. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Next, stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and, if you like, the crushed red pepper flakes. This combination forms the backbone of the sauce, balancing sweetness, acidity, and a delicate heat that makes this recipe so addictive. If you prefer a thicker sauce, now’s the time to add the cornstarch slurry, letting it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss them in the bubbling sauce to coat every morsel evenly. Let the shrimp warm through for another minute—it only takes a moment. Then your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is ready to serve, glistening and aromatic.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this dish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds isn’t just about looks; these add a fresh crunch and a nutty accent that elevate every bite. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime alongside can also brighten flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with jasmine rice to soak up the sweet and spicy sauce or alongside steamed noodles for a comforting, hearty meal. For a lighter touch, serve it in crisp lettuce cups—great for finger food lovers or those watching carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re impressing guests, consider stacking the shrimp over a bed of crunchy Asian slaw or drizzling extra sauce as a dipping option on the side. You might also serve the shrimp skewered for a festive presentation that makes this Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe a real showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries! Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors will meld nicely, although the shrimp texture is freshest on day one.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the shrimp and sauce separately to maintain optimal texture. Place cooled shrimp and sauce into separate freezer-safe containers for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid rubbery shrimp. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much while warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to get the best sear and texture.
How spicy is the Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
The spice level is mild with sweet chili sauce as the base; however, you can easily adjust it by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or choosing a spicier chili sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your sweet chili sauce doesn’t contain gluten ingredients.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch slurry is perfect for thickening the sauce. Just mix cornstarch with water and add it toward the end while simmering for a glossy, clingy finish.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe contains no dairy, making it suitable for dairy-free diets and pescatarians.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe is such a delightful dish to have in your culinary repertoire. It’s quick, bursting with flavor, and flexible enough to suit many meals and occasions. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—once you taste that perfect sweet, tangy, and garlicky glaze coating tender shrimp, I’m sure it will become one of your go-to favorites, just like it is for me!
Print
Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Sweet chili garlic shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp tossed in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze made from Asian sweet chili sauce, garlic, and a splash of lime. Perfect served over rice or noodles, this dish makes an easy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer with bold, savory, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker sauce)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and lightly season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and simmer the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Heat Through and Serve: Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat everything through. Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Serve this dish over jasmine rice, noodles, or inside lettuce cups for a lower-carb option.
- Frozen shrimp can be used; just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or skipping the crushed red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
