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    Home » Seafood

    Chili Garlic Shrimp

    Published: Aug 1, 2022 by Nora Rey · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

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    Chili Garlic Shrimp with perfectly cooked shrimp and a garlicky, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce. It is delicious and easy to make in less than 30 minutes!

    A Filipino version of this dish includes 7 Up or Sprite for extra sweetness and uses head-on shrimp for full flavor.

    If you are making it for a large group, check out my recipe for Big Batch Chili Garlic Shrimp. You may also like try Salt and Pepper Shrimp.

    Chili Garlic Shrimp on a serving bowl.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you’ll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Watch how I make it here
    • Other seafood recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients you’ll need

    Individual ingredients for Chili Garlic Shrimp.
    Oil (for searing and sautéing) is not in the picture.

    Notes and substitutions

    • Shrimp: Go for large shrimp, as they are less likely to overcook. Check the label that tells how many pieces are in a pound. For example, 21-25 means 21 to 25 pieces per pound and U/10 for under 10—as the number decreases, the shrimp size increases.
    • Chili Garlic Sauce: You can also use sambal oelek, a similar red chili paste without garlic. Sriracha can also be used in a pinch.
    Jars of chili garlic sauce and sambal oelek.
    • Shaoxing Wine: It adds depth, enhancing the flavors in the dish. A minimal amount makes a difference in stir-fries like Beef Stir Fry with Onions and Peppers, braises or stews, and sauces. Use another Chinese cooking wine or Japanese rice wine (sake) as a substitute.
    Shaoxing wine bottle and Shaoxing wine in a ramekin.
    • Bird's Eye Chilies (Thai Chilies): For substitutes, you can use fresh hot peppers like serrano or dried peppers like red pepper flakes. Use any type you can tolerate, as much (or as little) as you want.

    How to make this recipe

    If you are using frozen shrimp, thaw them ahead of time. Rinse and dry them on paper towels.

    (1)Season 1 pound of shrimp with salt and pepper and lightly coat them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

    Adding cornstarch to the shrimp in the bowl.

    Set a skillet over high heat. When the pan is hot and almost smoking, add oil to coat the bottom. (2)In batches, sear the shrimp for about a minute on each side. Be careful not to overcook them. Set them aside.

    PRO TIP: Avoid overcrowding the pan that prevents the shrimp from getting a nice crust on the outside.

    Searing the shrimp in the pan.

    (3)Over medium heat, add a bit of oil and sauté 1 tablespoon ginger, 6 garlic cloves, 1 shallot, and 1 teaspoon chilies until slightly softened.

    Add 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, ¼ cup of water, 2 teaspoons sugar, and salt (I used ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; use less for table salt).

    (4)When the sauce starts to simmer, add 2 tablespoons butter. Taste it and adjust as needed.

    Sauteing the aromatics and seasonings in the pan. Adding butter to the sauce.

    (5)Add the shrimp and coat them with the sauce. Turn off the heat, so they don't overcook.

    Shrimp coated with the sauce in the pan.

    Add scallions, cilantro, and fried garlic or shallots as an option. Enjoy with rice or noodles.

    A saucy piece of shrimp on a fork.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use frozen shrimp?

    Yes! They should have the same taste and texture as fresh shrimp if properly thawed. In most cases, the "fresh" ones at the supermarket's seafood counter were previously frozen as well. They are immediately frozen after harvest to preserve their freshness.

    How to thaw frozen shrimp?

    Thaw them overnight in the fridge. If you need it sooner, you can submerge the shrimp in its packaging in lukewarm water. Change the water as soon as it gets too cold.

    Can I keep their heads and shells intact?

    Keep the head on if you enjoy the juices within or enjoy peeling them as you eat. There is so much flavor in them.

    How long does it take cook shrimp?

    Depending on its size, searing the shrimp takes about a minute on each side. When it turns opaque and pink, it should be ready. The residual heat will cook it through.

    Are shrimp and prawns the same?

    They are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same species. They are very similar in terms of taste, texture, and appearance. For this recipe, use whatever you have on hand.

    Watch how I make it here

    Other seafood recipes you may like

    • fried calamari
      Fried Calamari (Calamares)
    • Soy and ginger fish on a plate
      Soy and Ginger Fish
    • Easy Paella in a pan
      Easy Paella
    • Tuna belly with tomato mango salsa
      Tuna Belly with Tomato-Mango Salsa
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    Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    📖 Recipe

    Asian Chili Garlic Shrimp on a serving plate

    Chili Garlic Shrimp

    Chili Garlic Shrimp with perfectly cooked shrimp and a garlicky, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce ready in less than 30 minutes!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Filipino
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 158kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $9-$11

    Equipment

    • Skillet

    Ingredients

    For the shrimp:

    • 1 pound large shrimp shelled, deveined
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch sub:flour
    • Neutral-flavored oil for searing and sautéing

    For the sauce:

    • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
    • 6 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 small shallot sub:red onion
    • 1 teaspoon minced bird's eye chilies sub:crushed red pepper
    • 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce sub:sambal oelek or Sriracha
    • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine sub:Chinese or Japanese cooking wine
    • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
    • ¼ cup water
    • 2 teaspoons sugar
    • Salt (I used ¼ teaspoon kosher salt) adjust to taste
    • 2 tablespoons butter sub:margarine

    Optional garnishes:

    • Scallions/green onions sliced
    • Cilantro or parsley chopped
    • Fried garlic or shallots
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Rinse the shrimp and dry them on paper towels.
    • Season them with salt and pepper and lightly coat them with cornstarch.
    • Set a skillet over high heat. When the pan is hot and almost smoking, add oil to coat the bottom. 
    • In batches, sear the shrimp for about a minute on each side. Be careful not to overcook them. Set them aside.
    • Over medium heat, add a bit of oil and sauté ginger, garlic, shallots, and chilies until slightly softened.
    • Add chili garlic sauce, Shaoxing wine, fish sauce, ¼ cup of water, sugar, and salt. 
    • When the sauce starts to simmer, add the butter. Taste it and adjust as needed.
    • Add the shrimp and coat them with the sauce. Turn off the heat, so they don't overcook.
    • Add scallions, cilantro, and fried garlic or shallots as an option.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 24gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 827mgPotassium: 366mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

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    24 shares
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mar Rey

      September 02, 2021 at 9:25 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Just like at the restaurants! Love that I can prepare this at the comfort of my home for my family! 😊

      Reply
    2. Dennis

      September 01, 2021 at 6:55 pm

      This is a Mouth watering recipe

      Reply
    3. Tin

      September 01, 2021 at 1:18 am

      5 stars
      Looks yummy!! Can’t wait to try this! 😍

      Reply
    4. Apol

      August 30, 2021 at 10:50 am

      5 stars
      Yummy!

      Reply
    5. Mark Manallo

      August 30, 2021 at 5:35 am

      5 stars
      Will try to cook this for my sister who absolutely loves shrimps. I will need to prolly lessen the heat cos she cant handle heat much. Looks super yummy though!!

      Reply
      • Nora

        August 30, 2021 at 11:16 am

        Hi Mark! That's what I like about home cooking – you can always tailor to your taste. I hope she likes it!

        Reply
    6. Bim

      August 29, 2021 at 12:15 pm

      Looks yummy, will try to make this too. Easy to make.

      Reply
    7. Jay

      August 28, 2021 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      This is delicious and so easy to make ⭐️⭐️⭐️

      Reply
    8. Ana

      August 28, 2021 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      Love this so much! Easy to make and it tasted delicious

      Reply

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