The vibrant flavor profile of this Sweet Chili Shrimp makes it a standout dish for any night of the week. With juicy shrimp glazed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, this recipe comes together in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
Serve it over jasmine rice or your favorite noodles, and top it with fresh scallions and sesame seeds for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch. Whether you’re hosting dinner guests or just cooking for yourself, this dish hits every note: sweet, savory, zesty, and satisfying.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Cooked jasmine rice or noodles, for serving
Directions:
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Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until they start turning pink.
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Flip the shrimp and pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice.
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Toss everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in a sticky glaze.
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Remove from heat, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
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Serve hot over jasmine rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes
Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Sweet Chili Shrimp – A Bold, Flavor-Packed Delight
Sweet Chili Shrimp is a standout recipe that masterfully blends sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with just the right amount of heat. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner option for anyone craving something restaurant-worthy yet incredibly easy to make at home. From the first bite, you’re greeted with juicy, succulent shrimp wrapped in a glossy glaze of sweet chili sauce, enhanced by aromatic garlic, soy, and a splash of citrus. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is both approachable and impressive.
A Global Inspiration in One Pan
This dish draws heavily from Southeast Asian influences, particularly Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Sweet chili sauce is a staple in many Asian pantries, known for its balance of sweetness and a mild chili kick. When combined with umami-rich soy sauce and zesty lime juice, it transforms into a vibrant sauce that perfectly complements shrimp. These bold flavors are celebrated across the globe, and incorporating them into a home-cooked meal allows you to bring a taste of the world into your own kitchen.
Why Shrimp Works So Well
Shrimp is one of the most versatile and widely enjoyed seafood options. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavor beautifully, and provides a light yet satisfying protein. In this recipe, the shrimp’s natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the sticky chili glaze, while its tender texture ensures every bite is mouthwatering. It’s also a healthy choice, being low in calories and high in nutrients like selenium, B12, and iodine.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Time is often a major factor when choosing a recipe, and that’s where Sweet Chili Shrimp shines. From start to finish, it takes under 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and wholesome. With only a few key ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe proves that fast food doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor or quality.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Shrimp
This dish is incredibly adaptable in terms of serving options. Traditionally, it’s served over jasmine rice, which soaks up the sweet and spicy sauce beautifully. However, it also pairs wonderfully with noodles, such as soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a fusion twist. If you’re watching carbs or following a keto or paleo lifestyle, consider serving it over sautéed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh cucumber salad for a lighter option.
Want to elevate your presentation? Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a lime wedge on the side. These simple touches add a fresh pop of color and texture that makes the dish even more enjoyable visually and taste-wise.
Make It Your Own
One of the best aspects of Sweet Chili Shrimp is its flexibility. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha. Want a more savory twist? Increase the amount of soy sauce or add a splash of fish sauce for depth. You can even toss in quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy to make it a one-pan meal.
You’re also not limited to shrimp—this same sauce works well with chicken, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian version. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Once you’ve mastered the base, the possibilities are endless.
Impress Guests with Minimal Effort
Hosting dinner guests but short on time? This is one of those rare recipes that looks and tastes like it took a lot of effort, even though it’s quite simple. The glossy, sticky sauce creates a restaurant-style finish, and the dish pairs easily with a variety of sides and drinks. Try serving it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold Thai beer for the ultimate dining experience.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Leftovers of Sweet Chili Shrimp (if there are any!) store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the shrimp and rice separate to prevent the rice from getting soggy. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. It’s not the best recipe for freezing, as shrimp can become rubbery when thawed and reheated, but it’s ideal for next-day lunches or quick reheated dinners.
You can also prep the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. That way, when dinner time comes, all you need to do is sauté the shrimp and pour in the ready-made glaze—perfect for meal planners and batch cookers.
Nutritional Value and Dietary Considerations
Sweet Chili Shrimp is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. It’s also dairy-free and can be made lower in sugar by choosing a low-sugar sweet chili sauce or making your own. As a lean protein option, shrimp helps balance the meal, especially when served with fiber-rich vegetables or whole grains.
This dish fits well into many diet types, including pescatarian, low-calorie, and high-protein lifestyles. With customizable ingredients and serving styles, it’s easy to adapt it to suit your dietary goals.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Dish
Once you’ve made this dish once, you’ll see why it becomes a regular on so many dinner rotations. It’s reliable, quick, and incredibly tasty. The sauce is addictive, and the minimal clean-up afterward is just the cherry on top. It’s a practical recipe for real life, yet still exciting enough to make you feel like a home chef.
The combination of sweet chili, garlic, lime, and soy is a flavor formula that just works—rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and spicy without overpowering the other elements. It hits that perfect balance that keeps people reaching for seconds.
Conclusion
Sweet Chili Shrimp is a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that combines global flavors in a quick, easy, and delicious way. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner, or just yourself, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s also endlessly customizable, so you’ll never get bored.
From its rich flavor profile to its lightning-fast cook time, this dish delivers on all fronts. Serve it over rice for a cozy comfort meal, or lighten it up with greens and citrus. However you make it, Sweet Chili Shrimp is a dish worth repeating, time and time again.