Introduction

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Bowls are a flavorful, colorful, and wholesome meal that brings together tender shrimp glazed in a sticky-sweet chili garlic sauce served over fluffy rice with crisp vegetables. The result is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors — all in one comforting bowl.

This dish is inspired by Asian fusion cuisine and has the ideal mix of textures: juicy shrimp, crunchy veggies, and a silky sauce that ties everything together. It’s fast, fresh, and full of flavor — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the ultimate flavor-packed, one-bowl wonder. The shrimp cook in minutes and get coated in a glossy sauce that’s equal parts sweet, garlicky, and spicy. It satisfies every craving — from the comforting warmth of rice to the zesty bite of chili and garlic.

Another reason I adore it is its versatility — you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or even switch up the grain base. It’s healthy without sacrificing taste and feels like something you’d order at a trendy Asian restaurant.

Plus, the aroma of garlic and sweet chili sauce sizzling in the pan is simply irresistible!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Bowl is a must-try because:

It’s quick and easy — ready in just 25 minutes!
It’s bursting with flavor — sweet, spicy, tangy, and garlicky.
It’s healthy yet satisfying, with lean protein and fiber-rich veggies.
It’s meal-prep friendly — perfect for lunch or dinner bowls.
It’s customizable — works with any grain, veggies, or spice level.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings and Nutrition Info

Servings: 4
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Course: Main Course / Dinner Bowl

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce:

3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For the Bowls:

2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed or roasted)
1 carrot, julienned or shredded
½ cucumber, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 green onions, sliced
Lime wedges, for serving

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook the rice and prepare your veggies.
Whisk together the sweet chili garlic sauce.
Sauté the shrimp until pink and cooked.
Add the sauce and toss until thick and glossy.
Assemble the bowls and serve with lime and sesame seeds.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Vegetables

Cook 2 cups of jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions.
While the rice cooks, prepare your vegetables — slice the bell pepper, cucumber, and carrot, and steam or roast broccoli until tender-crisp.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Mix the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Shrimp

In the same pan, pour in the prepared sauce.
Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens slightly (about 1–2 minutes).
Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide cooked rice among 4 serving bowls.
Top each with sautéed shrimp, roasted/steamed veggies, cucumber, and carrot.
Drizzle any remaining sauce over the bowls.
Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.

How to Serve

Serve Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Bowls warm, with:

A side of fresh lime wedges
Extra sweet chili sauce for drizzling
Optional sriracha for heat

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook very fast — once pink, remove immediately.
Adjust spice level: Add or reduce chili flakes depending on your heat preference.
Use day-old rice: If meal-prepping, pre-cooked rice absorbs sauce better.
For extra flavor: Add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end.
Keep it crisp: Don’t overcook the veggies; you want a little crunch for texture.

Variations

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodle Bowl: Swap rice for rice noodles or soba noodles.
Spicy Mango Version: Add diced mango or pineapple for tropical sweetness.
Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
Creamy Twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy Thai-inspired version.
Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with tofu or chickpeas.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave until hot. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freeze: Shrimp and sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

Non-stick skillet or wok
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rice cooker or saucepan
Tongs or spatula

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Q2: What can I use instead of rice?
Quinoa, brown rice, noodles, or even couscous all work well.

Q3: Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chili garlic sauce, but you can adjust spice to your liking.

Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Cook and store the shrimp and rice separately. Assemble bowls when ready to eat.

Q5: Can I use store-bought sweet chili sauce?
Absolutely — it saves time and tastes great! Look for Thai-style sweet chili sauce for best flavor.

Conclusion

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Bowls are the perfect fusion of simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. Juicy shrimp coated in a glossy, spicy-sweet sauce pair beautifully with tender rice and crisp vegetables, making this dish both wholesome and indulgent.

It’s a quick, customizable meal that never fails to impress — ideal for busy weeknights or when you crave a restaurant-quality dish at home. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory goodness.