Go Back
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat) - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Cooked jasmine rice or quinoa, for serving The large shrimp are the star of this dish. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If you prefer a different protein, try chicken or tofu instead. Sweet chili sauce gives a nice sweet and spicy taste. If you have a spicy chili sauce, that can work too. For soy sauce, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option. The sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor. If you do not have sesame oil, olive oil can be a good substitute. Fresh ginger adds a warm taste, but you can skip it if you don’t have any. Lime juice brightens the dish. If you can’t find fresh lime, bottled lime juice is fine. Each serving of Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp provides: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 2g - Sugar: 6g This meal is high in protein and low in carbs, making it a healthy choice. The fresh ingredients also add vitamins and minerals to your plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Mix these ingredients well. This marinade gives the shrimp its sweet and spicy kick. Next, it’s time for the shrimp. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Stir gently to coat each shrimp evenly. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This soaking time allows the shrimp to soak up all the yummy flavors. Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated shrimp and the marinade. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip them and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can get tough. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Toss everything gently to combine. Serve your sweet chili garlic shrimp over jasmine rice or quinoa, and add fresh cilantro for a tasty touch. To keep shrimp tender, cook them just right. Shrimp cook fast. They turn pink and opaque when done. Aim for 2-3 minutes on each side. If you cook them too long, they get rubbery. Keep a close eye on your shrimp while they cook. Marinating shrimp adds great flavor. Mix your marinade well before adding shrimp. A good soak takes about 15-20 minutes. Don't go longer than that. If shrimp sit too long, they can become mushy. Always refrigerate your marinade while the shrimp soak. Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large skillet works best for this dish. A non-stick or cast-iron skillet helps prevent sticking. Use tongs to flip shrimp easily. A good spatula also helps when mixing. Gather these tools for a smooth cooking process. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the shrimp absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinade. Adjusting Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. You can always add more heat later if desired. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking. They only need 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery and tough. Garnish for Freshness: Always finish with fresh cilantro and green onions. This adds a burst of color and freshness that elevates the dish. {{image_2}} You can boost the taste of Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp by adding veggies. Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli work great. Slice them thinly to cook fast. Add them to the skillet when you cook the shrimp. This way, they soak up the sauce. You get more color and nutrition in your meal. Plus, it makes the dish look more inviting. If you want to change it up, use other proteins. Chicken, tofu, or scallops can replace shrimp. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Marinate and cook just like the shrimp. Tofu should be firm and pressed to remove water. Cook until it's golden for the best texture. Scallops cook quickly, so watch them closely. Each protein brings a new taste to the dish! You can adjust the heat to fit your taste. The red pepper flakes give a nice kick. If you want it milder, use less or skip them. For extra heat, add chopped fresh chili peppers. Sriracha or hot sauce can also work. Start small and taste as you go. This dish should fit your spice preference perfectly! For Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp, I love serving jasmine rice or quinoa. They soak up the sauce well and add a nice touch. You can also try steamed broccoli or bell peppers. Their crunch pairs well with the shrimp’s tender texture. For a fresh twist, consider a simple green salad with a light dressing. The crispness of the greens balances the dish perfectly. Presentation matters in cooking! I often sprinkle fresh cilantro over the shrimp for color. Thinly sliced green onions add a nice pop too. You can also add lime wedges on the side. This gives a fresh burst of flavor when squeezed. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a fun crunch. These small touches make your dish look and taste great. When it comes to drinks, I suggest a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. Its acidity complements the sweet and spicy shrimp. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try iced green tea. It’s refreshing and balances the flavors well. For a fun twist, a light ginger ale can enhance the dish's zing. Choose a drink that you enjoy to make this meal even better! Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance. Mix the sweet chili sauce, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just add the shrimp when you are ready to cook. However, marinating shrimp overnight can make them too salty. Large shrimp work best for this dish. They hold up well during cooking and have a nice bite. Look for shrimp that are fresh or frozen, peeled, and deveined. If you can, buy shrimp with the shell on for better flavor. To add more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh sliced chili peppers. If you prefer a sauce, mix in some hot sauce or sriracha. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. You can reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Yes, this dish can be gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute. Check the sweet chili sauce label to ensure it is gluten-free. With these changes, you can enjoy a flavorful meal without gluten. This blog post covered key ingredients for sweet chili garlic shrimp, how to prepare them, and cooking tips. I shared ways to avoid overcooking, suggested equipment, and variations to fit your taste. You can add veggies or switch proteins for more flavor. For serving, I included side dishes and garnishing ideas to impress. Remember, cooking shrimp right is key. Enjoy this dish with friends or family and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp

A flavorful dish featuring shrimp marinated in a sweet and spicy chili garlic sauce, served over rice or quinoa.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • none fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • none cooked jasmine rice or quinoa, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Add the shrimp to the marinade, stirring to coat them evenly. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp along with the marinade.
  • Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Ensure not to overcook them as they can turn rubbery.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions over the shrimp. Toss everything together gently.
  • Serve the Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
Keyword garlic, shrimp, sweet chili