The Perfect Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe for Spicy Seafood Lovers

Sweet chili shrimp tantalizes taste buds with its perfect balance of sugary warmth and spicy excitement.

Seafood lovers appreciate these succulent morsels that dance between delicate and bold flavor profiles.

Tender marine proteins absorb complex seasonings, crafting into an irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Bold yet approachable, this dish bridges sophisticated cooking techniques with home kitchen accessibility.

Minimal preparation ensures even novice cooks can craft something extraordinary without complex skills or extensive equipment.

Global influences merge seamlessly in this simple yet elegant meal that promises restaurant-quality results.

Prepare to impress friends and family with a quick, mouthwatering experience that elevates weeknight dining.

Sweet and Spicy Shrimp for the Ultimate Flavor

• Savor Spicy-Sweet Sensation: This recipe delivers an incredible flavor explosion combining sweet honey, fiery Sriracha, and zesty chili flakes that dance perfectly on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Plate: Packed with lean protein from shrimp, vibrant bell peppers, and balanced macronutrients, this dish offers a healthy meal option that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.
• Versatile dish: Easily customize by swapping shrimp for chicken or tofu, adjusting spice levels, or serving over rice, noodles, or salad for endless meal possibilities that keep dinner exciting.

Key Ingredients for Sweet Chili Shrimp

• Shrimp: Sweet and succulent seafood protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Wild-caught or farm-raised options work great.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer that adds depth and warmth to the shrimp dish. Fresh garlic cloves provide the best taste.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful and crunchy vegetable that adds sweetness and texture to the dish. Red or mixed colors recommended for visual appeal.

• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich liquid that provides saltiness and depth to the sauce. Low-sodium version can be used for health-conscious cooking.
• Sriracha Sauce: Spicy condiment that adds heat and tangy flavor to the shrimp. Adjust quantity based on personal spice preference.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the spicy and savory elements of the dish. Raw or regular honey both work well.
• Red Chili Flakes: Adds extra heat and spice to the shrimp. Adjust quantity based on desired spice level.
• Ginger: Fresh, aromatic root that provides a zesty and warm undertone to the sauce. Grate or mince for best integration.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking oil used for sautéing shrimp and vegetables. Extra virgin olive oil provides better flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy garnish that adds nutty flavor and visual interest. Toasted seeds enhance overall taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides color and light, fresh flavor to the final dish. Finely chopped for best presentation.
• Salt: To taste.

How to Make Sweet Chili Shrimp That Packs a Punch

Step 1: Prepare Bell Peppers

Heat of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers with a pinch of salt, and cook for 5-10 minutes until they soften. Transfer the cooked peppers to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Shrimp

• Shrimp
• Minced garlic
• Red chili flakes
• Salt

Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Create Flavor Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Sriracha sauce
• Honey
• Grated ginger

Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return shrimp to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together to ensure even coating. Continue cooking on low-medium heat for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the shrimp over the cooked bell peppers. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Tips for Perfecting Sweet Chili Shrimp

• Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose firm, translucent shrimp with a mild sea scent for the best flavor and texture.
• Control Heat Precisely: Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat to prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood that loses its delicate sweetness.
• Balance Sauce Ingredients: Taste and adjust sweet chili sauce components to create a perfect harmony between spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
• Prep Ahead: Slice peppers and measure sauce ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure smooth execution.
• Garnish Strategically: Sprinkle sesame seeds and parsley just before serving to maintain their fresh crunch and vibrant colors.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Chili Shrimp

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover Sweet Chili Shrimp into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the shrimp and bell peppers separate to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat: Warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking the delicate shrimp. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir carefully for 2-3 minutes until heated thoroughly, ensuring the shrimp remain tender and juicy.
• Freezing: Not recommended for this recipe, as shrimp tend to become tough and lose their delicate texture when frozen and reheated.

Pairing Ideas for Sweet Chili Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the shrimp, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's zesty profile.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy, aromatic jasmine rice provides a neutral base that soaks up the delicious sweet chili sauce, balancing the heat and adding a comforting texture to the meal.
• Serve with Asian Slaw: A light, tangy coleslaw with a hint of rice vinegar and cilantro creates a refreshing side that contrasts the warm, spicy shrimp and adds a crunchy element to the plate.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed with a light sesame oil and rice vinegar dressing helps neutralize the dish's spiciness while providing a fresh, cooling counterpoint to the sweet chili shrimp.

Fun Variations on Sweet Chili Shrimp

• Spicy Coconut Shrimp: Replace soy sauce with coconut milk and add lime zest for a tropical Caribbean-style seafood experience that brings rich, creamy flavors to the dish.
• Asian Teriyaki Fusion: Swap Sriracha and honey with teriyaki sauce, include diced pineapple chunks, and sprinkle green onions for a sweet-savory Japanese-inspired variation.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Substitute red chili flakes with dried oregano, use lemon juice instead of honey, and add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired rendition that offers bright, zesty notes.
• Cajun Shrimp Skillet: Exchange bell peppers with celery and onions, incorporate Cajun seasoning blend, and finish with fresh cilantro to create a New Orleans-style seafood preparation bursting with bold, spicy character.

Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy sweet shrimp dance with zesty chili sauce in this quick Asian-inspired delight. Crispy shrimp glazed with tangy sauce promise a palate-pleasing experience you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

Sauces, Seasonings, and Garnishes:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon dried ginger
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients and equipment, ensuring bell peppers are thinly sliced and shrimp are cleaned and deveined.
2. Heat of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers slightly.
3. Add sliced bell peppers with a pinch of kosher salt, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
4. Transfer the softened peppers to a separate bowl, keeping them warm for later plating.
5. In the same skillet, pour the remaining olive oil and immediately add raw shrimp, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and an additional small pinch of salt.
6. Cook shrimp for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully as they transform from translucent to a vibrant pink color.
7. While shrimp are cooking, whisk together soy sauce, Sriracha sauce, honey, and freshly grated ginger in a small mixing bowl to create a glossy, aromatic sauce.
8. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked shrimp, gently tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sweet and spicy glaze.
9. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the shrimp.
10. Plate the sautéed bell peppers as a base, arrange the glazed shrimp on top, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Notes

• Personalize your sweet chili shrimp with extra red chili flakes for a spicier kick.
• Swap bell peppers for zucchini or asparagus to create unique flavor variations.
• Fresh shrimp works best, but frozen can be a convenient alternative if thawed completely.
• Always remove shrimp tails before cooking to make eating easier and more enjoyable.
• Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness level in the sauce.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg