Sweet Chili Shrimp is a delightful dish that marries the natural sweetness of shrimp with a tangy, spicy kick from the chili sauce. This recipe is simple yet full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or as an impressive dish for special occasions. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this delightful meal that combines succulent shrimp with aromatic garlic and a hint of lime.
Why We Love This Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe
There’s so much to love about Sweet Chili Shrimp. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for those who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of ingredients creates a harmonious balance of sweet and spicy flavors that appeals to many palates. Plus, shrimp is a fantastic source of protein, and when married with zesty sauces, it creates a dish that doesn’t compromise on health while delivering a burst of taste in every bite. It’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite among seafood lovers!
Ingredients about Sweet Chili Shrimp
- 10 oz (280g) shrimp (shelled, deveined, and tail-on)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons oil (for cooking)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley leaves (for garnishing)
- 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (Rooster brand is a popular choice)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Sweet Chili Shrimp Directions
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Once clean, pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it will allow the shrimp to sear nicely, giving them a lovely texture. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, carefully place the shrimp in the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are slightly browned. You want them to be cooked through but not overdone. Once they look just right, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
If you prefer, you can wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, but it’s not mandatory since the leftover bits will add flavor. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and turn the heat back on. Add the minced garlic, sautéing until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. This should take about a minute, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning the garlic.
Once the garlic is sautéed, return the shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the Thai sweet chili sauce and add chili garlic sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Toss everything together gently using a spatula to ensure that the shrimp are well coated in the sauce. Allow the shrimp to cook for an additional minute or two, letting the flavors meld together.
Before serving, sprinkle the shrimp with fresh cilantro or parsley to give your dish an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes, such as rice or a simple salad.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Shrimp
Sweet Chili Shrimp is versatile and can be served in multiple ways. One of the most popular options is to serve it over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice. The rice will absorb the delicious sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with noodles, which can soak up the flavors as well.
For a lighter option, consider pairing the shrimp with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. The crispness of the salad or the tenderness of the veggies will contrast nicely with the sweet and spicy shrimp. If you want to elevate the dining experience, you can even make shrimp tacos using tortillas. Simply fill the tortillas with shrimp, top with some shredded cabbage, and drizzle with extra sauce for an exciting twist.
Don’t forget to have some lime wedges on the side! A squeeze of fresh lime juice will enhance the flavors even more and provide a vibrant finishing touch to your dish.
Expert Tips: Sweet Chili Shrimp
To ensure your Sweet Chili Shrimp is a hit every time, here are a few expert tips to consider:
- Freshness Matters: Always use fresh shrimp if possible, as they provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Perfect Sear: For an excellent sear and optimal flavor, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If you have a lot of shrimp, it’s better to cook them in batches so that each piece can sear properly.
- Adjust the Heat: If you enjoy spice, feel free to add more chili garlic sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce or skip the chili garlic sauce altogether.
- Garnishing: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley not only add flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of your dish. Consider adding thinly sliced green onions or sesame seeds as well for more depth.
- Play with Flavor: Experiment with additional ingredients, such as ginger or a splash of soy sauce, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
How to Store Sweet Chili Shrimp
If you find yourself with leftover Sweet Chili Shrimp, you can store it for later enjoyment. Allow the shrimp to cool down to room temperature before transferring the leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Avoid using a microwave, as this can overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery. If the sauce seems a bit thick upon reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Variation of Sweet Chili Shrimp
While this Sweet Chili Shrimp recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are endless variations to explore. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Adding Vegetables: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the dish for added nutrition and crunch. Simply sauté the veggies after cooking the garlic and before adding the shrimp.
- Coconut Flavored: Introduce some coconut milk into the saucepan for a creamy twist. This pairs well with the sweet chili sauce and adds a richness to the dish.
- Pineapple Sweetness: For a tropical touch, add cubed pineapple to the shrimp while cooking. The pineapple will caramelize slightly, enhancing the sweetness of the dish.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- As a Skewered Dish: Marinate shrimp in the sweet chili sauce and thread them onto skewers for grilling. This method adds a nice char and smoky flavor.
FAQ
How long does it take to make Sweet Chili Shrimp?
This delicious dish only takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for quick weekday meals.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a good sear.
What can I serve with Sweet Chili Shrimp?
Serve it with rice, noodles, a salad, or in tortillas for delicious tacos. Pair it with lime wedges to enhance the flavors.
Is Sweet Chili Shrimp healthy?
Yes, shrimp is a lean protein that’s low in calories and fat. This recipe balances flavor and nutrition, especially if you pair it with vegetables.
Can I make Sweet Chili Shrimp ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it ahead and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Sweet Chili Shrimp
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 10 oz shrimp (shelled, deveined, and tail-on) Fresh shrimp is preferable for the best flavor and texture.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (for cooking) Divided into two tablespoons for cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley leaves (for garnishing)
Sauce Components
- 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce Rooster brand is a popular choice.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- a pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are slightly browned. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about a minute.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the Thai sweet chili sauce, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Toss everything together gently.
- Allow the shrimp to cook for an additional minute or two, letting the flavors meld together.
- Sprinkle the shrimp with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
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