If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and a bit of zing, then the Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant and irresistible recipe blends succulent shrimp with the addictive crunch and heat of chili crisp, all elevated by the warmth of garlic and a perfect balance of soy sauce and butter. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this dish comes together quickly and delivers a ton of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender shrimp to the bold chili crisp that brings texture and fiery depth, creating a harmony that’s both comforting and exciting.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or properly thawed shrimp ensure juicy, tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp with oil: This spicy, crunchy condiment adds layers of flavor and heat.
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced): Garlic is the aromatic backbone that enhances the shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter enriches the sauce with a silky, luscious texture.
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil: A high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola to prevent burning.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: A touch of acidity balances the richness perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Slight sweetness rounds out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked for subtle spice.
- Sliced green onions (for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and attractive pop of color.
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish): Toasted seeds add nuttiness and crunch.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is key—it helps the shrimp sear beautifully instead of steaming and ensures you get that perfect caramelized color. Set them aside so they’re ready to hit the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves completely. This simple sauce will bring brightness and subtle sweetness that point the flavors in the right direction right from the start.
Step 3: Cook Garlic and Butter
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil along with the unsalted butter. Once the butter melts and starts bubbling, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until you smell that intoxicating garlic aroma—don’t let it brown or burn.
Step 4: Sear the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer, giving them space to cook evenly. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick searing locks in juiciness and creates a wonderful texture.
Step 5: Add Chili Crisp and Sauce
Spoon the chili crisp over the cooked shrimp, then pour the soy sauce mixture into the pan. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp. Let it cook together for another 30 to 60 seconds until your shrimp are glistening with sauce, and it slightly thickens, intensifying all those amazing flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shrimp with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds for that extra flavor punch and visual appeal. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions add freshness and a mild crunch, while sesame seeds provide a lovely nutty hint and added texture. Both garnishes brighten the dish, making each bite interesting and well-rounded.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice, which soaks up the bold sauce perfectly. Alternatively, serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or silky noodles to create a satisfying and colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your garlic shrimp with chili crisp over a bed of crisp lettuce leaves as handheld bites or toss it with quinoa or couscous for a wholesome, textured salad. Elevating the presentation makes this recipe feel special any day of the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Its flavors may even deepen, but the shrimp is best enjoyed fresh to maintain tenderness and texture.
Freezing
Although freezing is possible, shrimp tend to lose their ideal texture after thawing. If necessary, freeze in a sealed container without sauce for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking your shrimp. Adding a splash of water or a little butter can help keep the shrimp moist while refreshing the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to get that perfect sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
How spicy is this dish with chili crisp?
The spice level depends on the chili crisp brand and amount used, but generally, it offers a pleasant heat with crunchy bits. You can adjust the quantity to make it milder or bolder according to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s quick to make and reheats well, making it a fantastic option for a flavorful protein addition to your weekly meals.
Can I substitute the butter for something else?
If you prefer, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, but butter gives the richest flavor and texture that complement the shrimp and garlic perfectly.
What else can I add to this dish?
Feel free to throw in some sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn while cooking the shrimp for added crunch and a vegetable boost.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe. Its vibrant flavors and quick cook time make it a reliable favorite to turn to for something exciting and satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s one of those dishes that can brighten up any meal and become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab your skillet, some fresh shrimp, and get ready to savor every buttery, spicy, garlicky bite!
Print
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: Pescatarian
Description
This Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp recipe delivers a flavorful and spicy dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked with aromatic garlic and a punchy chili crisp sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal, it combines savory, tangy, and spicy elements that pair beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp with oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Set aside.
- Make the sauce mixture. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Heat the skillet and cook garlic. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil and butter. When the butter melts and starts bubbling, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly and cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add chili crisp and sauce. Spoon the chili crisp over the shrimp in the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce mixture. Toss everything together gently to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Finish cooking. Allow the shrimp to cook for an additional 30 to 60 seconds so the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the shrimp.
- Garnish and serve. Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the shrimp with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp to control the spiciness according to your taste.
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use high-quality chili crisp for the best flavor and texture experience.
