Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe

When it comes to quick and flavorful seafood dishes, Chili Garlic Shrimp stands out as a true culinary gem. Combining the heat of chili, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the natural sweetness of shrimp, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience in under 20 minutes. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or crusty bread.

Why Chili Garlic Shrimp is a Must-Try

• Fast and Easy: Cooks in under 15 minutes
• High-Protein: Shrimp is lean, healthy, and nutrient-rich
• Versatile: Works with pasta, salads, tacos, or stir-fries
• Bold Flavor: Sweet, spicy, and savory in one bite

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Chili Garlic Shrimp, gather the following:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili paste (like sambal oelek or sriracha)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional but adds depth)
• Juice of half a lime
• Chopped scallions or cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry. If they’re not already deveined, remove the dark vein along the back. Keep the tails on for presentation or remove them for easier eating.

2. Make the Chili Garlic Sauce

In a bowl, mix:

• Chili paste
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Lime juice

Whisk until smooth. This sauce should balance spicy, sweet, and umami flavors.

3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl. Avoid overcooking — shrimp become rubbery if left too long.

5. Add the Sauce

Once shrimp are cooked, pour in the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly on the shrimp.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Top with chopped scallions, cilantro, or crushed red pepper. Serve hot with jasmine rice, noodles, or as a filling for spicy shrimp tacos.

Tips for the Best Chili Garlic Shrimp

• Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Avoid precooked shrimp for best flavor.
• Adjust spice level. Reduce chili paste for a milder dish or add chili flakes for extra heat.
• Marinate for extra flavor. Toss shrimp in half the sauce and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
• Deglaze with white wine or broth to elevate flavor complexity.
• Double the sauce. Great for drizzling over rice or vegetables.

Serving Suggestions for Chili Garlic Shrimp

1. With Steamed Jasmine Rice

Let the shrimp shine with a neutral, fluffy rice base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.

2. Over Garlic Noodles

Toss cooked noodles in butter, garlic, and soy sauce, then top with shrimp for a satisfying, Asian-fusion meal.

3. Inside Lettuce Wraps

For a low-carb option, serve shrimp in crisp romaine or butter lettuce cups. Add shredded carrots and a squeeze of lime.

4. Chili Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Layer shrimp in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and crema for an irresistible taco night twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Values are approximate and vary based on serving size and ingredients used.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as shrimp texture can become mushy after thawing.

Variations to Try

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp

Swap chili paste with sweet chili sauce. This version leans more toward sweet and sticky, ideal for kids or heat-sensitive eaters.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Skip the chili and use lemon zest and juice instead. Still zesty, but milder and more citrus-forward.

Creamy Chili Garlic Shrimp

Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end for a luxurious twist. Best served over pasta or polenta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water.

What’s the best chili paste to use?

Sambal oelek offers pure chili heat with minimal sugar. Sriracha adds heat plus tang and sweetness. Use what you prefer.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, with a few tweaks. Replace honey with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener and serve with cauliflower rice.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?

Absolutely. Marinate the shrimp in the sauce for 30 minutes, then grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Brush with extra sauce as they cook.

Conclusion

Chili Garlic Shrimp is fast, fiery, and full of flavor, making it a staple for anyone who loves bold, Asian-inspired dishes. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this recipe never fails to impress. Customize it, spice it up, or keep it simple — it’s your call.

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