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To make sweet chili garlic shrimp, gather these key items: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory flavor. The shrimp soak up all the tasty goodness. For a fresh touch, consider these garnishes: - 2 green onions, sliced - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional) Garnishes add color and freshness. They elevate the dish and make it more appealing. If you lack some ingredients, here are a few swaps: - Use frozen shrimp if fresh is not available. - Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. - Swap lime juice with lemon juice for a different zing. - Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, if needed. These substitutions keep the dish tasty, even if you don't have everything on hand. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a bowl. Add 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce. Then, toss in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. For a little kick, include 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir all these ingredients together until well mixed. This mix will give the shrimp a tasty sweet and spicy flavor. Now, it's time for the shrimp. Use 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Place the shrimp in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each shrimp gets covered well. Once they are coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This step helps the shrimp soak up all the great flavors. Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side. They should turn pink and opaque. After that, flip the shrimp over. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure they are fully cooked but not rubbery. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, take them off the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and optional cilantro leaves. Serve them over jasmine rice or with some sautéed veggies for a great meal! To make sweet chili garlic shrimp perfectly, start with a hot skillet. Heat the olive oil before adding the shrimp. This helps the shrimp cook fast and keeps them juicy. Cook in batches if needed. Crowding the pan makes the shrimp steam instead of sear. Each shrimp should get a nice sear for that great flavor. You can control the heat with red pepper flakes. If you like it spicy, add more flakes. For less heat, reduce the amount. The sweet chili sauce adds a nice balance. This sauce is sweet but has a kick too. Taste your marinade first. Adjust it to fit your taste before marinating the shrimp. Serve your sweet chili garlic shrimp over jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the tasty sauce. You can also pair it with sautéed vegetables. Broccoli and bell peppers work well. They add color and crunch to your meal. For a fresh touch, add a squeeze of lime on top before serving. This brightens the dish and adds zest. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For an even bolder taste, let the shrimp marinate for up to an hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp more deeply. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely. You can always add a sprinkle when serving for those who enjoy heat. Use Fresh Shrimp: Whenever possible, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. Fresh shrimp have a better texture and flavor, making your dish even more delightful. Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking; they only need about 4-6 minutes total. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors with different sauces. Try teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a sweet twist. For a tangy kick, use a mix of barbecue sauce and honey. If you want a spicy bite, add sriracha or chili paste. Each sauce creates a unique taste for your shrimp. If shrimp isn't your favorite, you can use other proteins. Chicken breast works well with this recipe. Cut it into small pieces and marinate just like the shrimp. Tofu is a great plant-based option. Use firm tofu, cut into cubes, and marinate for the same time. Cook it until golden brown for a tasty dish. For a vegetarian version, try using vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli can soak up the marinade nicely. Marinate them just like the shrimp. You can also use a mix of mushrooms for a meaty texture. These options bring flavor and color to your meal, making it just as delightful. To keep your sweet chili garlic shrimp fresh, place leftovers in a sealed container. Store them in the fridge. They can last up to three days. Make sure they cool down first. This keeps them safe and tasty. When ready to eat, check for any odd smell or color before reheating. You can freeze sweet chili garlic shrimp for longer storage. Put the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When you want to use them, move the bag to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheat leftovers gently to keep them juicy. You can use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Stir often until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat them in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps them thaw quickly and safely. After thawing, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This step ensures the marinade sticks well to the shrimp. To make the dish spicier, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chopped chili peppers. If it’s still not spicy enough, try a dash of hot sauce. Adjust according to your taste. Remember, spice can build up, so add a little at a time. Some great sides include jasmine rice or fried rice. These pair well with the shrimp's sweet and spicy flavors. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. A simple green salad with a light dressing works well too. These sides create a balanced meal and enhance the shrimp's taste. This blog post walks you through making Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp. You learned about key ingredients, optional garnishes, and how to switch items if needed. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking shrimp. I also included tips for cooking techniques and heat adjustments. You explored sauce variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Enjoy experimenting with new flavors and variations. Happy cooking!

Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp

A delicious and easy shrimp dish with a sweet and spicy chili garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
  • optional fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create the marinade.
  • Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through but not overdone. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro leaves, if using.

Notes

Serve over jasmine rice or with sautéed vegetables.
Keyword chili, garlic, quick meal, shrimp