Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero: juicy shrimp glistening with garlicky goodness and coated in a spicy, deeply flavorful chili crisp sauce that’s anything but boring. Every bite delivers punchy aromatics, a jolt of heat, and that irresistible savory crunch. The shrimp cook up fast, soak in every drop of marinade, and come together in less than 20 minutes. This is the kind of dish you make once and then crave all the time, whether you pile it on rice, toss it through noodles, or serve it as tempting party bites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe lets a handful of simple but high-impact ingredients shine. Each one brings a little magic, whether it’s tender shrimp, bold garlic, or the fiery chili crisp that ties it all together.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined—the star of the show, offering juicy, tender bites that hold up beautifully to bold flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for pungent, fragrant notes that infuse the entire dish.
- Chili Crisp: Adds layers of heat, crunch, and savory umami; you can adjust the amount to match your spice preference.
- Soy Sauce: Brings salty depth and a touch of rich color to the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: Infuses nuttiness and a glossy finish—don’t skip this for authentic flavor!
- Vegetable Oil: For sautéing; keep things neutral so the other flavors can shine.
- Rice Vinegar: Cuts through the richness and gives a welcome zesty tang.
- Honey: Balances the fiery and acidic notes with mellow sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in the pan—season to taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth to back up the chili heat.
- Green Onions: Bright, fresh, and perfect for garnish and crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on for toasty flavor and extra visual pop.
- Lime Wedges: The final touch—a spritz over everything just wakes up the dish.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your shrimp in a simple but flavor-packed mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. This marinating step only takes 10 minutes, but it transforms the shrimp, infusing it with layers of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. It’s a quick process—just enough time to prep the other ingredients or pour yourself a drink!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Shrimp
Heat up your skillet, add the vegetable oil, and then the minced garlic. When that unmistakable fragrance wafts through your kitchen, it’s time to get excited! Spread the marinated shrimp into a single layer in the skillet so they can sear nicely. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side; you’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and pink.
Step 3: Sauce and Finish with Chili Crisp
Here’s where the magic of Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp happens. Lower the heat and add that glorious chili crisp to the pan. Toss everything quickly so every shrimp is evenly coated in the glossy, spicy, and crunchy sauce. The chili crisp creates a sizzling finish that clings to every nook and cranny of the shrimp for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and scatter on sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a few lime wedges. These garnishes add color, crunch, and a citrusy pop that lifts up every bite. Serve immediately so the shrimp stays juicy and the chili crisp stays perfectly crackly.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp
Garnishes
A shower of sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a few lime wedges is all you need to make this dish shine. If you like things even spicier, add an extra spoonful of chili crisp just before serving. These simple but vibrant touches kick up both the flavor and the wow-factor.
Side Dishes
Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. The shrimp are bold and saucy, so they’re perfect over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, scooped onto warm noodles, or even tucked in lettuce cups for something light. Stir-fried veggies, chilled cucumber salad, or garlicky sautéed greens all make fantastic pairings to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the main plate! Try serving the shrimp as part of a vibrant rice bowl with quick pickles, or pile them high on a platter for a cocktail party appetizer. For a fun family-style approach, let everyone build their own lettuce wraps or assemble shrimp tacos with crunchy slaw—a surefire way to make this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp the center of attention.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), transfer your Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors keep beautifully, though the crispiness from the chili topping will mellow a bit in the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked shrimp if needed, though they’re best enjoyed fresh. To freeze, cool the shrimp completely, store in a zip-top bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to one month. Just know that the chili crisp may lose its signature crunch and the shrimp may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat for just a couple of minutes, stirring often. You can add a drizzle of fresh chili crisp or a dash of soy sauce to wake up the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely—frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating for best results. This ensures they stay juicy, not watery, as they cook.
What if I don’t have chili crisp?
Chili crisp is the signature ingredient here, but if you can’t find it, try substituting with chili oil mixed with a few crispy fried shallots or garlic for some crunch and heat. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious.
Is Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp gluten-free?
Yes, with a quick swap! Just use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great choice for those with dietary needs.
How spicy is this dish?
That’s entirely up to you! Chili crisp can range in heat, so start with the amount called for, then add more if you love things fiery. You can always serve extra on the side for spice lovers.
Can I make a vegetarian version of Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp?
Totally! Try swapping in firm tofu cubes or mushrooms. Marinate and cook them the same way—the sauce and chili crisp will transform almost any protein or veggie into something memorable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers big flavors with very little effort, Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp should be at the top of your list. It’s unfussy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to win new fans every time you serve it. Try it once and it just might become your new kitchen staple!
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Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Spice up your dinner routine with this irresistible Garlic Shrimp with Chili Crisp recipe. Succulent shrimp are marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili crisp, then quickly sautéed with garlic for a dish that’s bursting with Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp (plus more for serving)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- sesame seeds and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Finish the Dish: Reduce heat to low and stir in the chili crisp, tossing until shrimp are evenly coated and glossy. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp to suit your spice preference.
- This recipe works great with frozen shrimp (thawed and patted dry).
- For a vegetarian version, try substituting mushrooms or tofu.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6–7 shrimp
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
