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Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp - Fast, Flavorful, and Weeknight Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce (Thai-style)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey, to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic paste (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive oil)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Method
 

  1. Pat shrimp dry. Use paper towels to remove surface moisture. Dry shrimp sear better and stay juicy.
  2. Make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar (or lime), sesame oil, and sriracha if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or heat.
  3. Season the shrimp. Toss shrimp with salt and black pepper. You don’t need much salt since the soy is salty.
  4. Heat the pan. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add neutral oil and let it get hot until it shimmers.
  5. Sear the shrimp. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes until the underside turns pink and slightly opaque.
  6. Flip and sauce. Turn shrimp over. Immediately pour in the sauce. Toss to coat and cook another 1–2 minutes.
  7. Reduce and glaze. Let the sauce bubble for 30–60 seconds until slightly thick and glossy. Don’t overcook the shrimp.
  8. Finish. Remove from heat. Stir in half the green onions. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top for brightness.
  9. Serve. Spoon shrimp and sauce over rice or noodles. Garnish with remaining green onions, sesame seeds, and extra lime wedges.