Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe

Name: Sweet Chili Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined); 3 tablespoons maple syrup (substitute honey); 4 tablespoons chili garlic sauce; 2 teaspoons soy sauce

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This Sweet Chili Shrimp has only 4 ingredients, and is on the table in under 15 minutes! The shrimp are tender and juicy and have the perfect combination of sweet, savory and spicy.

A quick and easy, but incredibly delicious, dinner is always a great option on those busy weeknights. Especially one that is also good for you.

This is seriously one of the best go-to easy weeknight meals. It's simple, healthy and incredibly delicious, like one of our other favorite super easy healthy weeknight shrimp meals, this Thai shrimp salad.

The shrimp are juicy, and the sauce is just divine. It's perfectly sweet, sticky and savory all at once (like this hibachi shrimp)!

These shrimp great to serve on those weeknights that you just don't have the time and energy to make a complicated meal.

And if you're less worried about health, more worried about awesome flavor and super quick prep, this New Orleans BBQ shrimp, butter poached sous vide shrimp or this Instant Pot Shrimp is right up your alley too!

Serve it up with this amazing Instant Pot Spanish rice, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Instant pot beets or roasted frozen broccoli for a complete healthy meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The shrimp are cooked in a searing hot cast iron skillet for only about 5 minutes so they remain plump and juicy;
While the cast iron skillet heats, it's the perfect time for homework, napping, TV, or making a side dish if you want one;
The combination of the spicy chili sauce and the sweet maple syrup is the perfect sweet and spicy flavor combo;
It's both healthy and quick, making it the perfect busy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

I recommend using a larger shrimp for this recipe, like these 16/21 count shrimp. They come out plumper and juicier.

This chili garlic sauce, or anything similar, is the key ingredients as it is what adds the spice and savory component.

A good quality maple syrup will also result in the best flavor. The "maple Syrup" that's not pure just doesn't have the same deep flavor. You can also substitute honey for the maple syrup, but I prefer the deep flavor of the syrup.

The full list of ingredients and amounts is included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step By Step Instructions

Heat a cast iron skillet in 400F degree oven for 20 minutes.

In the meantime, combine the shrimp and other ingredients in bowl and set aside until the skillet is heated to allow shrimp time to marinade.

Remove the skillet from the oven and add the shrimp.

Place back in the oven for 3-5 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Serve over a bed of rice, or see some other serving suggestions listed below!

Expert Tips

I use 16/21 sized shrimp for this recipe. I recommend using large or jumbo sized shrimp.
Shrimp are done cooking when they have turned completely pink. This doesn't take very long.
Let the shrimp marinade in the sauce while the cast iron skillet heats for maximum flavor.
Watch the shrimp as they are cooking to ensure they don't overcook.

Serving Suggestions

Slice some red bell peppers, onions and/or snow peas and add them to your shrimp - you may want to increase the amount of sauce depending on how much you add;
Squeeze a touch of lime juice on top for some acidity;
Serve it with this Chinese fried rice or coconut jasmine rice - my favorite is with this Instant Pot sushi rice!
I also love them served alongside these Vietnamese egg rolls or these glazed Asian wings;
If you prefer to forgo the rice, and aren't really interested in an appetizer party, try them with these crispy baked parsnip fries or these sweet and spicy roasted brussels sprouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sweet chili made of?

Sweet chili is typically a combination of chilies mixed with vinegar and sometimes garlic, as well as a sweet component - in this recipe that is maple syrup, but it can also be honey, sweet wine, or sugar.

Is sweet chili sauce spicy?

Sweet chili sauce is similar to sweet and sour sauce, with a nice spicy kick. It's not overly spicy like some sauces, and the sweet complements the hint of spice perfectly.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

When the shrimp have turned completely pink, they are done cooking. Shrimp don't take very long to cook, so I recommend watching them closely.

Can I reheat these shrimp?

These glazed shrimp can be reheated in the microwave. However, microwaved shrimp will become more tough and chewy so I recommend eating them fresh is possible.

side view os shrimp in a pan with chili sauce

More Favorite Shrimp Recipes

Did you make this recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let me know what you think!

This recipe was originally published in November 2017. It has been updated for content and photos.