If you’re searching for a dinner that will completely spoil your taste buds and still get you from zero to hero in just 20 minutes, Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp is about to become your new obsession. Plump, juicy shrimp get a golden sear, then get tossed with a garlicky, spicy, umami-charged sauce that’s both bold and totally addictive. Served over fluffy rice or chewy noodles, every bite is a punchy mix of savory, spicy, and a little bit tangy, all tied together with that irresistible chili crisp crunch. This is weeknight cooking at its absolute best—easy, restaurant-worthy, and ready to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp is short and sweet, but each item is a powerhouse of flavor and texture. Every component plays a key role—so don’t skip or skimp, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that tastes far more complex than the effort required!
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Fast-cooking and tender, shrimp are the star protein and soak up every bit of flavor from the sauce.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the shrimp and adds a fruity undertone to the base of the dish.
- Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches the sauce and gives a silky finish to both shrimp and garlic.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): The backbone of the dish—garlic infuses the oil with deep, aromatic flavor.
- Chili Crisp (1–2 tablespoons): This spicy, crunchy condiment is the secret weapon for both heat and texture—adjust to your spice preference.
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a punch of umami and saltiness, balancing the heat from the chili crisp.
- Rice Vinegar (1 teaspoon): Brightens the sauce with just the right touch of acidity.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp—season lightly since soy sauce adds salt, too.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of warmth that complements the chili crisp.
- Scallions (2 tablespoons, chopped): For garnish; they deliver a fresh, oniony crunch and a pop of color at the end.
- Cooked Rice or Noodles: The perfect canvas for all that saucy, spicy shrimp goodness—choose your favorite!
How to Make Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—this helps them get that irresistible golden crust when they hit the pan. Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and black pepper, tossing gently to make sure each piece is evenly seasoned. This simple step not only enhances their natural flavor but also sets the stage for a perfect sear.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque with lightly caramelized edges. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside—you’ll add them back soon for their big flavor encore.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium, then toss the minced garlic into the pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant and golden (not brown). This step infuses the oil and butter with deep, savory flavor that will carry through the whole dish.
Step 4: Make the Chili Crisp Sauce
Add the chili crisp to the skillet, followed by the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Give everything a good stir, letting the ingredients mingle and bubble for a few seconds. The chili crisp brings heat, crunch, and a little magic, while the soy sauce and vinegar balance things out with umami and brightness.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Return the shrimp (and any juices they released) to the skillet. Toss everything together so the shrimp are evenly coated in the glossy, spicy sauce. Let them cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until they’re heated through and glistening. Serve your Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp hot over rice or noodles, and don’t forget a generous sprinkle of chopped scallions on top!
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp
Garnishes
Finish your Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp with a flourish! A handful of chopped scallions is a must for freshness and color. Try a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy lift, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a little extra crunch and nutty aroma. If you’re feeling adventurous, add slivers of fresh red chili or a pinch of cilantro for even more vibrance.
Side Dishes
This dish is perfectly at home on a bed of steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles, soaking up every drop of that bold sauce. Pair it with quick sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad to cool things down. Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp also shines alongside simple roasted veggies for a colorful, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp family-style in a large platter, letting everyone dig in with chopsticks. Or, pile them onto lettuce leaves for spicy shrimp wraps that are both light and full of flavor. You could also skewer the shrimp and grill them for an outdoor gathering, brushing on extra chili crisp sauce as they cook—delicious and dramatic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), transfer the shrimp and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp will keep well for up to 2 days, staying flavorful and juicy. Just be sure to cool everything to room temperature before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
While cooked shrimp can be frozen, they tend to lose their tender texture when reheated. If you do freeze, pack the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For the best results, consider freezing just the raw, peeled shrimp and making the sauce fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat until just heated through—avoid high heat, as shrimp can get rubbery fast. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Enjoy over fresh rice or noodles for a second round of spicy-saucy goodness!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sear properly and don’t add excess moisture to the sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on how much chili crisp you use and the brand you choose. Start with one tablespoon and add more if you love it extra fiery. You can always serve extra chili crisp at the table!
What is chili crisp, and where can I find it?
Chili crisp is a crunchy, spicy Chinese condiment made with chili oil, garlic, and crispy bits like fried onion or soybeans. It’s available in most Asian grocery stores, well-stocked supermarkets, or online—look for brands like Lao Gan Ma or Fly By Jing.
Can I make Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the butter for an equal amount of olive oil or a neutral cooking oil. The dish will still be rich, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
What’s the best way to serve Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp for a crowd?
Double or triple the recipe and serve the shrimp on a large platter with plenty of rice or noodles. Set out bowls of garnishes and extra chili crisp so everyone can customize their plates. It’s easy, interactive, and guaranteed to impress!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving big flavor and minimal fuss, Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp is truly a game-changer. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat—quick, punchy, and perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a busy night. Roll up your sleeves and give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Shrimp with Chili Crisp recipe is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main course that combines succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and olive oil, tossed with spicy chili crisp and a tangy soy-rice vinegar sauce. Perfect served over rice or noodles, this dish delivers a perfect balance of heat, richness, and umami in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons chili crisp (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels and season lightly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, which will provide a lovely garlicky base to the sauce.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons chili crisp (adjusting to your preferred spice level), 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar into the skillet, blending these flavors well with the garlic.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and shrimp to heat through.
- Serve: Serve the garlic chili crisp shrimp hot over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped scallions for freshness and color.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp to match your desired spice level, starting with less and adding more for heat.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add brightness and extra texture to the dish.
- This recipe works perfectly with frozen shrimp; just ensure they are thawed completely and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
