🍤 Sweet Chili Shrimp
Sweet, spicy, sticky, and incredibly delicious, this Sweet Chili Shrimp is the kind of quick dinner recipe that disappears fast! Juicy shrimp are coated in a glossy sweet chili garlic sauce that comes together in just minutes.
This easy sweet chili shrimp recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, but it is also impressive enough for a weekend dinner. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables for a flavorful meal the whole family can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Shrimp
- 🍤 Ready in about 20 minutes
- 🌶️ Sweet and mildly spicy flavor
- 🧄 Loaded with fresh garlic
- 🍯 Delicious sticky sauce
- 🍳 Made in one skillet
- 🍚 Perfect with rice or noodles
- ⏰ Great for busy weeknight dinners
- 👨‍👩‍👧 Easy family-friendly seafood recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How to Make Sweet Chili Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them cook properly and prevents excess water from diluting the sauce.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper if desired.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Chili Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and grated ginger.
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth.
Set both mixtures aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, until they are nearly cooked through.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet.
Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour the sweet chili mixture into the skillet.
Stir well and allow it to simmer for about 1–2 minutes.
Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring.
The sauce will begin to thicken and become glossy.
Step 6: Return the Shrimp
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet.
Toss everything together until the shrimp are completely coated in the sweet and spicy sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the shrimp are cooked through.
Step 7: Garnish
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
What Does Sweet Chili Shrimp Taste Like?
This shrimp recipe has the perfect balance of flavors.
The sweet chili sauce provides sweetness and a gentle kick of heat, while garlic and ginger add savory depth. Soy sauce brings saltiness and umami, and fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy finish.
The result is sticky, glossy shrimp with a delicious sweet-and-spicy flavor in every bite.
Tips for the Best Sweet Chili Shrimp
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly. Once they become opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape, they’re generally ready.
Pat the Shrimp Dry
Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp sear instead of steaming.
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce much more flavor than garlic powder.
Adjust the Heat
For a milder dish, skip the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili sauce.
Don’t Make the Sauce Too Early
The sauce thickens quickly once heated, so it’s best to prepare it shortly before cooking.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe.
Thaw them completely before cooking and pat them very dry with paper towels.
Can I Use Different Types of Shrimp?
Absolutely. Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal, but medium shrimp can also be used.
If using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time because they cook faster.
Easy Sweet Chili Shrimp Variations
Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp
Add extra minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
Spicy Sweet Chili Shrimp
Add red pepper flakes, crushed chili peppers, or a little hot sauce for extra heat.
Sweet Chili Shrimp with Vegetables
Add broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or sliced carrots to turn this into a complete one-pan dinner.
Sweet Chili Coconut Shrimp
Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy tropical twist.
Honey Sweet Chili Shrimp
Increase the honey slightly if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
What to Serve with Sweet Chili Shrimp
This flavorful shrimp pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed white rice
- Jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Rice noodles
- Lo mein noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Snap peas
- Asian-inspired cucumber salad
For an easy weeknight meal, serve the shrimp over fluffy jasmine rice and spoon the extra sauce over the top.
How to Store Leftovers
Transfer leftover shrimp to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Avoid overcooking because shrimp can become tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sweet chili sauce spicy?
Most bottled sweet chili sauces are mildly spicy and primarily sweet. The heat level varies by brand.
Can I make this recipe without honey?
Yes. The sweet chili sauce already provides sweetness, so you can omit the honey if desired.
Can I make Sweet Chili Shrimp ahead of time?
For the best texture, shrimp are best served immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and verify that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, and carrots are all delicious additions.
Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season lightly.
- Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and ginger.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
- Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet.
- Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side and remove from the skillet.
- Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add the sweet chili sauce mixture and simmer briefly.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry until the sauce thickens.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Shrimp recipe is proof that a delicious homemade dinner doesn’t need to take hours. Juicy shrimp, garlic, ginger, lime, and a sticky sweet chili glaze come together in one skillet for an incredibly flavorful meal in about 20 minutes.
Serve it over rice or noodles, add your favorite vegetables, and you’ve got an easy sweet and spicy shrimp dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Make this easy Sweet Chili Shrimp with juicy shrimp, garlic, ginger, lime, and a sticky sweet chili sauce. A quick 20-minute dinner bursting with flavor.