Description of this recipe: Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is a tantalizing dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender shrimp are cooked to perfection and then coated in a luscious sauce made from sweet chili sauce, garlic, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its vibrant taste and beautiful presentation.
Why you will love this recipe: This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp recipe is a weeknight winner! It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors is incredibly addictive, and the succulent shrimp are sure to satisfy your seafood cravings. Plus, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to serve it over rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer. It’s also easy to customize the level of sweetness and spiciness to suit your preferences. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and impressive dish, look no further!
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp Begin by preparing the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for ensuring that the shrimp sear properly and don’t steam in the pan. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper. Be careful not to over-season, as the sauce will also contribute to the overall flavor.
Step 2: Make the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your liking by adding more honey or sweet chili sauce. Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp, as this will help them develop a nice sear. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Garlic In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste. Sautéing the garlic releases its aromatic oils, which will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp & Sauce Pour the sweet chili sauce mixture into the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes, until it starts to thicken slightly. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. This final step allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the sauce, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory.
Step 6: Serve Serve the Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten up the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Toss with cooked noodles for a quick and satisfying dish.
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Pair with a side of steamed vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Garnish with lime wedges for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- Do not overcook the shrimp – they turn rubbery quickly! Cook them just until they are pink and opaque.
- Adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding more honey or chili sauce.
- For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lime over the shrimp before serving.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
- For a richer flavor, use sesame oil in the sauce.
- To make the dish spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Marinate the shrimp in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp for a proper sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information: Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving Protein: Approximately 30 grams per serving Sodium: Approximately 800 mg per serving
Conclusion: Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors, quick preparation time, and impressive presentation make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking. With a few simple tweaks, you can create a dish that’s perfectly tailored to your taste buds. Enjoy!
5 Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them until they are thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
Q2: How can I make this recipe spicier? A: To increase the spiciness of the Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Alternatively, you can use a spicier variety of chili sauce or add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
Q3: Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener? A: Yes, you can substitute the honey with other sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar. Keep in mind that each sweetener will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish.
Q4: What if I don’t have rice vinegar? A: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice. These alternatives will provide a similar acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Q5: How long can I store leftovers? A: Leftover Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as they can become rubbery.
