Easy Sweet Chili Shrimp (2024)

By: Mariam Ezzeddine|February 18, 2024This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for details

This Sweet Chili Shrimp recipe is a quick and easy way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. Tender shrimp cooked in a delicious sweet chili sauce transports your tastebuds to Southern Asia in less than 30 minutes!

If you’re looking for a quick weeknight recipe, then look no further than this Sweet Chili Shrimp recipe! Shrimp cooks up quickly so in the time it takes to make a batch of rice, your stir fry will be done. Talk about convenient! Plus it’s an easy entreé to round out – add rice, noodles or fresh veggies for a complete meal.

Why I Love This Chili Shrimp Recipe

• It’s unique. Its easy to get stuck in a rut with what’s for dinner, but the unique flavor of sweet chili shrimp can help you break out!
• It’s spicy. If you and your family like spicy foods, then this recipe is for you!
• It’s flavorful. With spices like sriracha, garlic, ginger and red pepper, there’s no lack of flavor with sweet chili shrimp!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Shrimp: The primary protein source, shrimp adds a succulent and tender texture to the dish. Make sure to clean and devein them before use or buy pre-cleaned.
• Sriacha: A hot sauce that hails from Thailand, this ingredient brings the heat to the sweet chili sauce. You can dial down the heat by reducing the amount or adjusting the red pepper flakes.
• Vegetables: Broccoli and orange bell pepper are the stir fry veggies for this Asian flavored dish, but you can use whatever vegetables your family likes best!
• Sweet chili sauce: Sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, garlic and ginger come together to make the sweet chili sauce. The perfect amount of sweet and savory flavors play really nice with the shrimp and veggies. Adjust the heat of the sauce by reducing red pepper flakes or sriracha.
• Garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions add flavor and texture to the finish of our sweet chili shrimp.

How To Make Sweet Chili Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the equipment. Heat a large skillet with ½ tablespoon of oil. Gather missing bowls.

Step 2: Fry the shrimp. Once the oil is heated, add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes until they turn opaque. Transfer them to a plate.

Step 3: Stir fry the veggies. In the same skillet, add another ½ tablespoon of oil, then add the vegetables (broccoli and bell peppers) and cook for 4-5 minutes. Transfer the cooked veggies to a plate and set them aside.

Step 4: Make the sauce. In another large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for a minute. Stir in the water, Sriracha, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a boil and simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 5: Bring it all together. Transfer the veggies and cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss them well. Cook until the shrimp are warmed through.

Step 6: Garnish, serve and enjoy! Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve the sweet chili shrimp over rice to enjoy.

Tips To Make This Recipe

• Make sure your pan is hot before adding the shrimp to achieve a nice sear. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink to avoid overcooking, which can result in a rubbery texture.
• Consider offering extra crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce on the side so individuals can adjust the spiciness to their liking instead of adding all the spice in during cooking.
• To keep the vibrant color and crispness of broccoli and bell peppers, stir-fry them briefly. They should be tender-crisp, not overly soft.
• Taste your sweet chili sauce mixture before adding it to the shrimp. Adjust the levels of sweetness, spiciness, and acidity (from vinegar) to achieve a well-balanced flavor profile.

What to Serve with Sweet Chili Shrimp (Pawns)

Steamed rice, Vegetable Fried Rice and Cauliflower Rice make a natural accompaniment to this classically Asian dish. Rice noodles or egg noodles will make a substantial sweet chili shrimp pasta or pair it with Vegetable Lo Mein Noodles.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Store leftover sweet chili shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-5 days.

To Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Freezing: While the sauce may freeze well, shrimp can change texture when frozen. If you plan to freeze, consider making the sauce separately and adding it to freshly cooked shrimp when ready to serve.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Sheet pan bake: Arrange the shrimp and vegetables on a baking sheet, drizzle with the sweet chili sauce, and bake in the oven until the shrimp are cooked through. This method allows for a hands-off approach and is great for larger batches.

Air Frying: Toss the shrimp and vegetables in the sweet chili sauce, then air fry until the shrimp are cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Grilling: Marinate the shrimp in the sweet chili sauce, then thread them onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side until they are opaque and have grill marks. Baste with additional sauce for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Question

More Shrimp Recipes

• Grilled Oven Shrimp Skewers
• Shrimp Lo Mein
• Breaded Butterfly Shrimp
• Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers
• Shrimp Sushi Stack
• Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty weeknight recipe, then look no further than this Sweet Chili Shrimp recipe. With spices like sriracha, garlic, ginger and red pepper, there’s no lack of flavor here! It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals seeking a flavorful and satisfying meal.

If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below because I love hearing from my readers. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima onFACEBOOK|INSTAGRAM|PINTERESTfor all of my latest social posts and recipes.