If you’re searching for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that absolutely dazzles, look no further than Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp. Picture tender, juicy shrimp, slicked in a sticky, garlicky glaze that’s equal parts sweet and spicy – it’s the type of dish that’ll make you want to lick your plate clean. The best part? It comes together in under 20 minutes, using a handful of ingredients you probably have on hand. Whether you’re spicing up a weeknight or hosting a dinner with friends, this recipe is a total showstopper that’s always worth sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is that each ingredient is purposeful and easy to find, yet the combination delivers a punch of flavor. Here’s how each component creates the ultimate balance of savory, sweet, and spice in every bite.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Using large, cleaned shrimp ensures juicy, meaty bites that cook quickly and soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Just enough oil to get your garlic sizzling and your shrimp golden without overpowering the other flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Lots of fresh garlic infuses the oil and the shrimp with irresistible aroma and depth.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient, lending the dish its signature sticky-sweet flavor with a gentle kick.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami and depth, balancing out the sweetness of the chili sauce.
- 1 tsp rice vinegar: Provides brightness and cuts through the richness, keeping things lively and fresh.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A little extra heat for chili lovers – totally adjustable to your taste.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Sprinkle on top for a pop of color, crunch, and a hint of oniony bite.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Adds a slight nutty flavor and that gorgeous finishing touch.
How to Make Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Let’s kick things off by making sure our shrimp are ready for their spa treatment. Pat them dry with a couple of paper towels to help them sear beautifully in the pan—no soggy shrimp here! Give them a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper, setting the flavor foundation before they ever meet that sizzling skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Now, heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until your kitchen smells gloriously garlicky. Keep a close eye—garlic burns fast and we want it golden, not brown.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Time for the shrimp to take center stage. Add them in a single layer and let them cook for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re looking for each piece to turn that irresistible pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan so they cook evenly and pick up a little golden color.
Step 4: Add the Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce
Here’s where the magic happens for our Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and (if you like it hot) red pepper flakes. Toss everything together so every shrimp is coated in that glistening glaze. Let it simmer for a minute or two so the sauce thickens slightly and hugs each shrimp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Lift your skillet off the heat and pile the shrimp onto your serving platter. Scatter those vibrant green onions and sesame seeds for a final flourish, then serve immediately—preferably over a bed of fluffy rice or slurpy noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh green onions and a shower of sesame seeds do wonders here. The onions brighten things up with freshness and a mild bite, while sesame seeds bring a subtle crunch and nutty flavor. Don’t skip these final touches—they truly make the Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This shrimp absolutely loves a fluffy mound of jasmine or basmati rice, perfect for sopping up every drop of sauce. For something different, try it over steamed noodles, alongside a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or even next to roasted vegetables for a colorful, satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp! Thread them on skewers and serve as party appetizers, stuff them into lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb option, or toss them into a rice bowl with avocado and cucumber for a punchy shrimp poke bowl vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay flavor-packed and fresh for up to two days—just keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor.
Freezing
While shrimp can technically be frozen, I recommend enjoying this dish fresh. Freezing can change the texture and slightly dull the vibrant flavors of the sauce. However, if needed, freeze cooled shrimp in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. You’ll want to avoid microwaving, as shrimp can become tough if overcooked. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen things up if they look a bit dry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and prevents excess water from watering down your sauce.
Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you can’t get your hands on sweet chili sauce, try combining honey or maple syrup with a little sriracha and a splash of rice vinegar. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll capture a similar sweet-heat loveliness.
How spicy is this dish?
On its own, the sweet chili sauce brings only mild heat, making Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp family-friendly. If you love a fiery kick, just sprinkle in those red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep everything in advance, but for best results, cook the shrimp right before serving so they don’t become overcooked or rubbery. The sauce itself can be mixed up a day ahead and kept in the fridge.
What other proteins work with this recipe?
While this recipe shines with shrimp, you can also try it with cubed firm tofu, seared chicken breast slices, or even pan-fried fish fillets. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for each protein.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow a crowd or just treat yourself on a busy weeknight, Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is the foolproof way to do it. It’s got all the flavor, a touch of drama, and comes together faster than it takes to order takeout. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!