If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, fiery flavor and delightful textures, this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe is going to become your new weeknight favorite. The perfect marriage of tender shrimp sautéed in fragrant garlic and coated in a luscious, spicy chili crisp sauce makes every bite addictive. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a quick but impressive meal, this recipe delivers simplicity, speed, and a mouthwatering kick in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe plays its part in creating a harmonious and vibrant dish. From the juicy shrimp that provide a succulent base, to the chili crisp that adds an irresistible crunchy heat, each element is essential to the overall balance of flavor and texture.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A neutral oil that helps sear the shrimp beautifully without overpowering flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds aromatic depth and savory warmth that pairs perfectly with seafood.
- 1–2 tablespoons chili crisp (adjust to heat preference): This spicy, crunchy condiment is the secret punch that elevates the dish.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings in a salty umami richness to balance the chili heat.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty finish that complements the Asian-inspired flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: A splash of acidity to brighten the sauce and keep it fresh-tasting.
- Chopped green onions for garnish: Provides a mild oniony crunch and a pop of green color.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a subtle nuttiness and attractive visual contrast.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance flavors without overshadowing them.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Begin by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—this ensures a nice sear without steaming. Lightly season them with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness without overpowering their delicate flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully lay the shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly. Sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink and slightly opaque, a sign they are just cooked through. Then, remove them from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds. You want to release those incredible garlicky aromas without letting the garlic burn. Next, stir in the chili crisp, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice. Let the sauce bubble gently—this quick simmer melds the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Glaze the Shrimp
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss until every piece is glossy and coated with the sumptuous chili crisp sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to soak up the sauce’s vibrant spice and tang.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches elevate any dish, and for this recipe, a sprinkle of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds wonderful freshness and a little crunch contrast. These simple garnishes brighten the plate and enhance every bite with extra layers of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up that delicious sauce. If you’re craving something lighter, serve it alongside simple sautéed greens or nestle the shrimp in crisp lettuce leaves for a zesty wrap experience. Noodles are also a fantastic option, especially lightly tossed in a sesame dressing to complement the shrimp’s boldness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the shrimp atop a bed of creamy avocado slices or roasted sweet potatoes for a vibrant, colorful plate. Another fun idea is to serve the shrimp as a tapas-style appetizer with toothpicks, letting guests dive into the spicy goodness bite by bite. No matter the presentation, this recipe always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover shrimp to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Keep in mind the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, but refrigeration will preserve that bold chili crisp flavor without losing too much texture.
Freezing
While shrimp tend to lose some texture when frozen and reheated, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container, with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize ice crystals. Freeze for up to one month for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until heated through—this helps prevent overcooking and keeps the shrimp tender. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the shrimp may become rubbery and the chili crisp texture may soften.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best sear and texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on how much chili crisp you add. Start with one tablespoon for a moderate spice and adjust to taste—adding more if you love a fiery kick.
Is chili crisp easy to find in stores?
Chili crisp has become widely available in many grocery stores and online. Look for asian specialty aisles or spice sections; it’s worth stocking up for adding an explosion of flavor to many dishes.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free soy sauce like tamari and double-check that your chili crisp does not contain gluten-containing ingredients for a safe and delicious gluten-free meal.
What can I do if I don’t have sesame oil?
If you’re out of sesame oil, you can skip it or substitute with a light drizzle of toasted peanut or walnut oil for a different but lovely nutty flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can combine to create something extraordinary. It’s fast, flavorful, and full of that crave-worthy spicy crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Give it a try soon, and I promise this dish will become a go-to whenever you want to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests alike.
Print
Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Shrimp with Chili Crisp recipe offers a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked with a spicy, garlicky chili crisp sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, it combines the heat of chili crisp with the zest of lime and the depth of soy and sesame oils, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for extra freshness and crunch.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1–2 tablespoons chili crisp (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque but not overcooked. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and build sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in chili crisp, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice. Let this mixture bubble gently to combine flavors.
- Rejoin shrimp and glaze: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss thoroughly in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until shrimp are fully heated through and glazing the sauce nicely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately, over steamed rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps as preferred.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps to complement the spicy garlic shrimp.
- Adjust chili crisp quantity for desired heat level; add a splash of honey if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
- This dish cooks very quickly, so prepare and measure all ingredients before starting to cook.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
