Picture a sizzling skillet filled with vibrant, pink shrimp coated in a glossy, sweet chili sauce that teases your senses with its aromatic blend of garlic and ginger.
This Sweet Chili Shrimp recipe is a breeze to whip up, promising a cozy, indulgent meal that’s a favorite for its simplicity and flavor.
As the shrimp dance in the luscious sauce, the transformation is magical.
Let’s bring this delicious dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
Cook & Prep Time
Here’s a timeline for efficiently managing your time while preparing and cooking Sweet Chili Shrimp, including additional time for reading through the instructions:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the ingredients and steps.
- Gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (5 minutes)
- Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done.
- Mince the garlic and ginger.
- Chop the green onions and cilantro.
- Measure out the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and olive oil.
- Cooking (10 minutes)
- Minutes 1-2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Minute 3: Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Minutes 4-6: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Minutes 7-8: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp in the skillet and stir to coat evenly.
- Minute 9: Add the chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
- Minute 10: Remove from heat.
- Resting (5 minutes)
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serving
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve, potentially with rice or noodles to balance the flavors.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice.
Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp in the skillet.
Stir the shrimp to coat evenly with the sauce.
Add the chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic and fragrant companion that absorbs the savory and spicy flavors of the shrimp.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add a colorful and crunchy side of mixed vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots for a balanced meal.
- Rice Noodles: These noodles will soak up the sweet chili sauce, adding a chewy texture to the dish.
- Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs well with the spicy and tangy shrimp, offering a delightful contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: A healthy and protein-rich option that adds a nutty flavor to the meal while soaking up the delicious sauce.
Storage
To store Sweet Chili Shrimp, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain sauce consistency.
Freezing
To freeze Sweet Chili Shrimp, allow the cooked dish to cool completely.
Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Label with the date, and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat Sweet Chili Shrimp gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain texture and flavor.
Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp.
Add a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Chili Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes.
The combination of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice creates a deliciously tangy and savory coating for the shrimp.
With the option to adjust the spiciness using red pepper flakes, this dish can be tailored to suit your taste preferences.
Perfect as a main course, it pairs well with rice or noodles to balance the flavors.
Enjoy the freshness and vibrant taste of this Asian-inspired dish with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
You can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them first for best texture. Rinse under cold water, pat dry. They’ll absorb the vibrant, tangy sauce beautifully. Make certain they’re deveined and peeled to fully appreciate the dish’s delightful flavors and aromas.
What Can I Substitute for Cilantro if I Don’t Like It?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro’s bold, citrusy bite, swap it with fresh parsley for a milder, grassy flavor. This herb will still add a vibrant green touch, enhancing your dish’s visual and aromatic appeal.
How Can I Make the Dish Less Spicy?
To tone down spiciness, reduce red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. Infuse flavors with sweet, tangy notes by adding more lime juice or a dash of honey. Taste as you adjust for a balanced, flavorful dish.
Is There a Vegetarian Alternative to Shrimp for This Recipe?
You can substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh. Sear them to golden perfection, absorbing the sweet chili sauce’s rich flavors. Their hearty texture complements the vibrant mix of garlic, ginger, and zesty lime.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this dish dairy-free! The recipe’s already free of dairy ingredients. Just follow the sizzling aromas of ginger and garlic, relish the vibrant colors, and enjoy the succulent shrimp bathed in tangy sauce.
Sweet Chili Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp in the skillet.
- Stir the shrimp to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Add the chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
