If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, irresistible flavors yet comes together in a flash, then this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The luscious combination of crispy garlic, spicy chili crisp, and tender shrimp delivers a perfect harmony of heat, umami, and crunch that will have you savoring every bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with personality—a true crowd-pleaser that elevates weeknight dinners or adds zing to any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role. From the vibrant heat of chili crisp to the zing of rice vinegar or lime juice, these essentials balance each other beautifully to bring out a flavor-packed, well-rounded dish.
- 1 pound large shrimp: Peeled, deveined, tails on or off, these are the star players offering juicy, tender seafood goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base for crisping the garlic and cooking the shrimp to perfection.
- 5 cloves garlic: Thinly sliced to become golden and crispy, lending that signature aromatic crunch.
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp: This spicy, crunchy condiment adds heat, texture, and deep umami notes that make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Infuses savory savoriness and balances the spice with delicate saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice: Adds bright acidity to cut through richness and elevate the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional): Just a hint of sweetness to round out the bold flavors and tame the spice if desired.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that awaken the natural flavors of shrimp and garlic.
- Chopped green onions or cilantro: Fresh garnishes that bring a pop of green color and herbal freshness.
- Steamed rice or noodles: Perfect vessels to soak up the glorious sauce and complete your meal.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and season the shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry to ensure they sear beautifully and develop that lovely caramelized surface. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, enhancing their natural sweetness without overpowering the final dish.
Step 2: Crispy garlic perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the thinly sliced garlic. Stir often for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic turns golden and crispy; this step unlocks incredible fragrance and texture. Use a slotted spoon to remove the garlic and set it aside, leaving the flavorful oil in the pan for cooking shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp to juicy perfection
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your hot skillet, letting each side cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. This timing ensures a tender bite with a slightly crisp edge, creating the perfect canvas for the sauce.
Step 4: Create the bold chili crisp sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then stir in chili crisp, soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, and honey if you’re using it. Toss everything to coat the shrimp evenly, letting the flavors meld and warm through for about one minute. This quick finish is where the magic happens, marrying heat, tang, and sweetness in a glorious, sticky glaze.
Step 5: Serve immediately and garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and plate your shrimp over steamed rice or noodles. Sprinkle generously with the reserved crispy garlic, and add chopped green onions or cilantro for freshness and color. Don’t forget that extra spoonful of chili crisp if you like it extra fiery!
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes truly elevate this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe by adding textures and fresh pops of flavor. Crispy garlic chips bring delightful crunch, while chopped green onions or bright cilantro leaves add vibrant color and a herbaceous lift, balancing the spicy and savory tones beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company. Serve it alongside fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice to catch every bit of that irresistible sauce. For a low-carb twist, pair with zucchini noodles or a simple stir-fried vegetable medley to keep things light and fresh while complementing the shrimp’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the garlic shrimp in mini lettuce wraps for a fun finger food style, or spoon it over a bed of soba noodles tossed with sesame oil and scallions. Alternatively, turning it into a vibrant rice bowl with avocado slices, pickled veggies, and a drizzle of extra chili crisp amps up the flavor and makes it a meal to remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your garlic shrimp feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp stay flavorful for up to 2 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick lunch or dinner without a second round of cooking.
Freezing
While shrimp is best fresh, you can freeze leftover garlic shrimp with chili crisp if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the garlic from burning. Adding a splash of water or a little olive oil can help revive the sauce and keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
What is chili crisp, and can I make it at home?
Chili crisp is a spicy, crunchy chili oil condiment packed with fried garlic, chili flakes, and other textures and flavors. While store-bought versions are widely available and delicious, making your own at home is also possible and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor. Proper drying prevents steaming and helps you get that perfect sear.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The level of spice depends largely on how much chili crisp you use and its heat intensity. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste, adding more for a fiery kick or less if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I substitute the soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Tamari is an excellent gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that works perfectly in this recipe without sacrificing flavor. Just swap it in equal amounts.
What can I serve if I want to make this a vegetarian dish?
For a vegetarian twist, replace shrimp with firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms, which will absorb the gorgeous chili crisp sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything stays tender yet flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe that keeps me coming back for more — it’s bursting with bold flavors, comes together quickly, and feels utterly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen favorite!
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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: Pescatarian
Description
This Garlic Shrimp with Chili Crisp is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp with crispy garlic and a spicy, tangy chili crisp sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight meal, it’s served over steamed rice or noodles and garnished with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped green onions or cilantro (for garnish)
- Steamed rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns golden and crispy. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate, leaving the garlic-infused oil in the pan.
- Cook the shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, signaling they are perfectly cooked.
- Add the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the chili crisp, soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, and honey if using. Toss the shrimp gently to coat them evenly in the sauce. Heat for an additional 1 minute to meld all the flavors together.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the shrimp immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with the crispy garlic, chopped green onions or cilantro, and an extra spoonful of chili crisp if desired for added heat.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp based on your preferred spice level.
- Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- This recipe works great as a quick main dish or a flavorful appetizer for gatherings.
