30 Minute Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe

Easy Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe: Spicy Magic in Minutes

Sweet chili shrimp tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant fusion of bold flavors and tender seafood.

Culinary enthusiasts appreciate how this dish balances spicy and sweet elements in a single, irresistible bite.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike treasure the simplicity behind creating such a dynamic meal.

Our recipe crafts ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that promises restaurant-quality results.

The delicate protein absorbs complex marinades, allowing each succulent morsel to burst with incredible depth and complexity.

Perfectly seasoned and quickly prepared, this recipe offers a delightful solution for busy individuals craving something extraordinary.

Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner with a meal that will impress family and friends.

Sweet Chili Shrimp That’s Quick and Addictive

  • Whip Up a Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that dance on your taste buds, creating an exciting culinary experience in just 30 minutes.
  • Master Quick and Easy Cooking: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, even beginner cooks can confidently prepare a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive and tastes incredible.
  • Enjoy a Protein-Packed Meal: Succulent shrimp combined with vibrant bell peppers provide a nutritious and satisfying meal that's both light and filling, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or quick lunch options.
  • Customize Your Spice Level: The recipe allows easy adjustment of heat with red chili flakes and Sriracha, letting you control the spiciness to match your personal preference and taste tolerance.

All the Ingredients for a Flavor Punch

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, medium-sized shrimp work best for quick cooking and tender texture.
  • Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and warmth to the shrimp dish.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful base that provides crunch and vibrant presentation.
Seasonings and Sauces:
  • Soy Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: Balanced sweet, salty, and spicy sauce combination for coating shrimp.
  • Red Chili Flakes: Adds subtle heat and spice to the overall dish.
  • Ginger: Provides a zesty, warm undertone to the sauce.
Garnish and Extras:
  • Olive Oil: Cooking medium for sautéing shrimp and vegetables.
  • Sesame Seeds: Nutty, crunchy topping that adds texture and visual appeal.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb for brightening the final dish with color and light flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural flavors.

How to Cook Shrimp in Under 30 Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Bell Peppers

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers with a pinch of salt and cook until they become soft and slightly tender, about 5-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked peppers to a separate bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in shrimp with:
  • Minced garlic
  • Red chili flakes
  • Dash of salt

Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Create Flavor Sauce

Mix together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey
  • Grated ginger

Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat evenly. Cook on low-medium heat for 1-2 minutes until shrimp are completely coated and fully cooked.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Serve the shrimp over the prepared bell peppers. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.

Tips to Avoid Overcooking or Mushy Texture

  • Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select large, deveined shrimp with no discoloration for best flavor and texture.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Watch cooking time closely to prevent overcooking, which makes shrimp tough and rubbery.
  • Balance Spice Levels: Adjust red chili flakes and Sriracha according to personal heat tolerance for customized taste.
  • Maximize Flavor Absorption: Let shrimp marinate briefly in sauce mixture before final cooking for deeper seasoning.
  • Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop vegetables and measure sauce ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth, quick cooking process.

Best Ways to Reheat Sweet Chili Shrimp

  • Refrigerate leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store for up to 2 days in the refrigerator to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil, stirring occasionally to prevent overcooking and maintain the shrimp's tender texture. Quick microwave reheating works best when covered and heated in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent rubbery results. Discard any leftovers that smell unusual or appear discolored to ensure safe consumption.

What to Pair with Shrimp from Noodles to Rice

  • Spark Crisp White Wine Pairing: Opt for a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling to complement the sweet and spicy shrimp, cutting through the dish's richness while enhancing its vibrant flavors.
  • Chill Rice Sidekick: Serve alongside coconut or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sweet chili sauce, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste that elevates the entire meal.
  • Boost Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light cucumber and mint salad as a side dish to cool down the spicy notes and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, flavorful shrimp.
  • Enhance Crusty Bread Option: Add a side of toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread to mop up the extra sweet chili sauce, turning every last drop into a delightful bite.

Variations with Citrus or Herbs

  • Tropical Coconut Shrimp: Replace honey with coconut milk and add shredded coconut for a creamy, island-inspired version that brings beachy vibes to your plate.
  • Spicy Mango Fusion: Swap Sriracha for mango puree and add extra red chili flakes to create a sweet-hot combination that tingles taste buds with vibrant flavors.
  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Substitute soy sauce with white wine, add fresh oregano and thyme, then finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired rendition that feels like a Mediterranean escape.
  • Asian Ginger Lime Version: Incorporate lime zest and juice, increase ginger amount, and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a zesty, bright profile that amplifies the original recipe's tangy notes.
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30 Minute Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe

30 Minute Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

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

Description

Spicy Sweet Chili Shrimp delivers a quick culinary adventure from Southeast Asian kitchens. Succulent shrimp dance in a zesty sauce, promising rich flavors that blend heat and sweetness for a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

Seasoning and Sauces:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare all ingredients: dice bell peppers into uniform pieces, mince fresh garlic, and measure out spices and sauces for quick access.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring even surface coverage.
  3. Add diced bell peppers with a pinch of salt, sautéing until edges become slightly caramelized and peppers soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  4. Transfer softened peppers to a separate bowl, keeping the skillet ready for next cooking stage.
  5. Pour remaining olive oil into the same skillet, maintaining medium heat and allowing oil to shimmer slightly.
  6. Add raw shrimp, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and a light sprinkle of salt, arranging shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.
  7. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a light golden color.
  8. Incorporate soy sauce, Sriracha, honey, and grated fresh ginger into the skillet, creating a vibrant, glossy sauce.
  9. Return cooked shrimp to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and uniform coating.
  10. Simmer on low-medium heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing sauce to slightly thicken and cling to shrimp.
  11. Plate the sautéed bell peppers as a base, arranging coated shrimp on top.
  12. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped fresh parsley for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Speedy Cooking: This vibrant dish comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute meal solutions.
  • Flavor Balance: Sweet, spicy, and savory notes from honey, Sriracha, and soy sauce create a complex taste profile that elevates simple shrimp.
  • Protein Perfection: Shrimp cook quickly and absorb marinades beautifully, making them ideal for fast and delicious meals.
  • Vegetable Enhancement: Bell peppers add color, crunch, and nutritional value, complementing the tender shrimp beautifully.
  • Versatile Serving: Enjoy over rice, noodles, or with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Spice Control: Adjust red chili flakes and Sriracha to personalize heat level for your taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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