Sweet Chili Shrimp

Introduction

Sweet Chili Shrimp is a vibrant, flavorful dish that beautifully combines the succulence of shrimp with the irresistible balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors from a rich chili sauce. Inspired by Asian cuisine, this dish is both comforting and exciting, offering a restaurant-quality taste that you can easily create at home.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Shrimp cooks quickly, so this dish comes together in minutes, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a high-end bistro. The sticky, glossy chili sauce clings to each shrimp, creating a bite that is sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive. It pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even as an appetizer, making it versatile and family-friendly.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy (ready in under 20 minutes).
• Bursting with bold flavors – sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory.
• Restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Pairs beautifully with many sides.
• Perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~280 calories

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Course: Main course or appetizer

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for light coating)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Coat shrimp lightly with cornstarch.
2. Pan-fry shrimp until golden and just cooked through.
3. Prepare sweet chili sauce in the same pan.
4. Toss shrimp in sauce until well-coated.
5. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
• Lightly coat with cornstarch to create a slight crisp when cooking.

Step 2: Cook Shrimp

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
• Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Make Sauce

• In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
• Stir in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar/lime juice, and red pepper flakes.
• Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine

• Add shrimp back into the pan.
• Toss to coat evenly with the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve hot with lime wedges.

How to Serve

• Over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
• With stir-fried noodles or lo mein.
• As a party appetizer with toothpicks.
• Alongside steamed or roasted vegetables.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook shrimp — they become rubbery quickly.
• Add extra chili flakes or sriracha if you love more heat.
• Use jumbo shrimp or prawns for an impressive presentation.
• For extra crispiness, deep fry shrimp instead of pan-frying.

Variations

• Crispy Sweet Chili Shrimp: Deep fry shrimp for a crunchy texture.
• Sweet Chili Shrimp Tacos: Serve inside tortillas with cabbage slaw.
• Sweet Chili Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: A lighter, low-carb version.
• Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to make it a stir-fry.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
• Freezing: Best to freeze cooked shrimp separately without sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in fresh sauce before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I bake the shrimp instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, then toss in sauce.

Q3: Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Q4: Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the sauce and shrimp separately, then cook and combine just before serving.

Conclusion

Sweet Chili Shrimp is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors wrapped around juicy, tender shrimp. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to serve at dinner parties. With its sweet, spicy, and tangy profile, this dish will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests every time.