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    Home » Seafood

    Chili Garlic Shrimp

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

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    Chili Garlic Shrimp is delicious and easy to make with perfectly cooked shrimp in a garlicky, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce. You can make it in no time, and you'll be glad you skipped takeout.

    The Filipino adaptation of this dish involves adding 7 Up or Sprite for extra sweetness and using head-on shrimp for full flavor.

    You may also like to make Salt and Pepper Shrimp.

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

    What makes a good chili garlic shrimp

    As with any shrimp dish, Chili Garlic Shrimp should have perfectly cooked shrimp. Overcooking is less likely to happen when you use large shrimp. The sauce should be flavorful — garlicky, slightly sweet, and spicy.

    Ingredients you’ll need

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

    Notes and substitutions

    • Shrimp: Use large shrimp as they are less likely to overcook. The names of the sizes may vary, but check the number label that tells you how many pieces are in a pound. For example, 21-25 means 21 to 25 pieces per pound and U/10 for under ten pieces. Remember that as the number decreases, the shrimp size increases.
    • Chili Garlic Sauce: Sambal Oelek may be substituted. These red chili pastes are similar, adding freshness and heat. Chili Garlic Sauce contains garlic. Sriracha can also be used in a pinch.
    Jars of chili garlic sauce and sambal oelek.
    • Shaoxing Wine: This amber-colored Chinese rice wine adds depth, enhancing the flavors in the dish. Though its addition is typically minimal, it does make a difference in stir-fries like Beef Stir Fry with Onions and Peppers, braises or stews, and sauces. As a substitute, you can use another Chinese cooking wine or Japanese rice wine (sake).
    Shaoxing wine bottle and Shaoxing wine in a ramekin.
    • Bird's eye chilies (Thai chilies): For substitutes, you can use fresh hot peppers such as serrano or dried peppers such as red pepper flakes. You may 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 the shrimp and dry them on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. (1)Place them in a bowl and coat them lightly with cornstarch.

    Adding cornstarch to the shrimp in the bowl.

    Heat a skillet over high heat. Add oil to coat the bottom when the pan is hot and almost smoking.

    (2)Sear the shrimp in batches for about a minute on each side, depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook them. Set them aside.

    PRO TIP: Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the shrimp from getting a nice crust on the outside as they sear.

    Searing the shrimp in the pan.

    Reduce the heat to medium. (3)Sauté the ginger, garlic, shallots, and chilies in a bit of oil until slightly softened. Add the Chili Garlic Sauce, Shaoxing wine, fish sauce, ¼ cup water, sugar, and salt.

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

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

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

    Shrimp coated with the sauce in the pan.

    How to serve

    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! In most cases, the "fresh" ones you see at the supermarket seafood counter were previously frozen as well. To preserve their freshness, they are frozen immediately after harvest. When properly thawed, they should have the same taste and texture as fresh.

    How to thaw frozen shrimp?

    Thaw them overnight in the fridge in their original packaging. If you need it sooner, submerge the shrimp in lukewarm water. Change the water as soon as it gets too cold until they're ready.

    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. In terms of taste, texture, and appearance, they are very similar. You can use whatever you have on hand for this recipe.

    Watch how I make it here

    Other seafood recipes you may like

    • Crab Fried Rice
    • Okoy or Ukoy (Shrimp and Vegetable Fritters)
    • Tuna Belly with Tomato-Mango Salsa
    • Homemade Pad Thai
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    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 is delicious and easy to make with perfectly cooked shrimp in a garlicky, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce. You can make it in no time, and you'll be glad you skipped takeout.
    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 with salt and pepper.
    • Place them in a bowl and coat them lightly with cornstarch.
    • Heat a skillet over high heat. Add oil to coat the bottom when the pan is hot and almost smoking.
    • Sear the shrimp in batches for about a minute on each side, depending on their size. Be careful not to overcook them. Set them aside.
    • Reduce the heat to medium. Sauté the ginger, garlic, shallots, and chilies in a bit of oil until slightly softened.
    • Add the Chili Garlic Sauce, Shaoxing wine, fish sauce, ¼ cup water, sugar, and salt.
    • When the sauce starts to simmer, add the butter. Taste it and adjust as needed.
    • Add the shrimp to the sauce and coat them well. 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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    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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