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
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
-
If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water). Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
-
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and optional cornstarch for light crispiness.
-
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
-
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
-
Pour the sauce over the cooked shrimp and toss to coat.
-
Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the shrimp evenly.
Step 4: Serve
-
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)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
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
