Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp

Juicy shrimp tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy chili garlic glaze — ready in just 15 minutes!

 Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

• Servings: 4 (as a main) or 6 (as an appetizer)

 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for a slightly crispy texture)

For the Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce:

• ⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional but recommended)

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)

 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

2. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water). Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

3. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and optional cornstarch for light crispiness.

4. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

5. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

6. Pour the sauce over the cooked shrimp and toss to coat.

7. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the shrimp evenly.

Step 4: Serve

8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a wedge of lime if desired.

 Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles

• Try it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light Asian slaw

• Makes a great appetizer skewered on toothpicks for parties

 Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave; avoid overcooking the shrimp

 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

 Tips & Variations

• Not a fan of spice? Omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish

• Add veggies: Toss in snap peas, red bell peppers, or broccoli for a full meal

• Make it crispy: Lightly dredge the shrimp in cornstarch before frying for crunch

• Vegan option: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of shrimp and follow the same steps

 Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, garlicky, and spicy — a quick and flavorful dish that hits all the right notes. Whether served as an entrée over rice or as a party appetizer, it’s guaranteed to be a hit