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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 3 green onions, chopped (separating the whites from the greens) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooked jasmine rice or quinoa, for serving The key ingredients in this dish are the shrimp and vegetables. The shrimp gives a fresh taste. The cornstarch creates a nice crunch. I use colorful bell peppers and snap peas for great flavor and texture. Sweet chili sauce brings a delicious sweetness. Soy sauce and rice vinegar balance it all out. - Skillet or wok - Mixing bowl - Cooking utensils For cooking, I recommend using a large skillet or wok. These tools help cook the shrimp and veggies evenly. A mixing bowl is handy for coating the shrimp with cornstarch. Use basic cooking utensils for stirring and serving. With these tools, you will create a tasty meal in no time! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to coat the shrimp in cornstarch. This step is key for a nice, crispy texture. - Place 1 pound of large shrimp in a medium mixing bowl. - Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the shrimp. - Toss gently until the shrimp are evenly coated. For crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the shrimp. Cook in batches if needed. This helps achieve that perfect crunch. Next, let's cook the shrimp. - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Once the oil shimmers, add the shrimp in a single layer. - Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink color to know they are done. After cooking, remove the shrimp and set them aside on a plate. Now it's time to stir-fry the veggies. - Use sliced red and yellow bell peppers and snap peas for a great mix. - Add them to the same skillet with another tablespoon of vegetable oil. - Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. Keep them tender-crisp for the best taste. You can also add a splash of color with green onions. Now we combine everything. - Return the shrimp to the skillet. - Pour in 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. - Gently stir to coat shrimp and veggies in sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is warm and mixed well. Taste your stir-fry now. - Add salt and pepper to taste. - Want some heat? Add sriracha or more sweet chili sauce for a kick. Serve the stir-fry warm over fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa. Garnish with chopped green onions for extra color and flavor. Enjoy your tasty Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry! - Importance of Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps the shrimp get crispy. When you coat shrimp in cornstarch, it creates a nice crust. This crust keeps the shrimp juicy inside. It also helps the sauce stick better. - Using High Heat: Cooking over high heat makes a big difference. It quickly sears the shrimp and veggies. This keeps them tender and full of flavor. If the heat is too low, they can steam instead of fry. - Additional Ingredients for Heat: If you love spice, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper. This will kick the flavor up a notch. A splash of sriracha works well too. Just be careful; a little goes a long way. - Balancing Sweet and Savory: The sweet chili sauce is a star. But balance it with soy sauce and rice vinegar. This mix gives a nice contrast. Taste as you go to find your ideal balance. - Prepping Ingredients in Advance: Chop your veggies and shrimp ahead of time. Store them in the fridge. This makes cooking quick and easy on busy days. You can even coat the shrimp with cornstarch early. - Timing for Reheating: When reheating, use a pan for best results. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat on medium until warm. This helps keep the dish tasty instead of dry. Pro Tips Coat Shrimp Evenly: Ensure the shrimp are coated evenly with cornstarch to achieve a consistent crispy texture when cooked. High Heat for Stir-Frying: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the ingredients quickly, preserving their color and crunchiness. Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust the ratios of sweet chili sauce and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh herbs or lime wedges right before serving enhances flavor and presentation. {{image_4}} Alternative Proteins If you want to switch things up, try chicken or tofu. Chicken breast works well. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Tofu is a great choice too. Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Just press it to remove excess water. Seasonal Vegetables Feel free to use what's fresh and in season. Broccoli, carrots, and zucchini can add color and taste. You can also use mushrooms for a savory twist. Just adjust the cooking time based on their texture. Gluten-Free Adjustments To make this dish gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari. Check the sweet chili sauce too. Many brands offer gluten-free options. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavor. Vegan Options For a vegan dish, swap out the shrimp for chickpeas. Chickpeas are a great protein source. Just make sure to cook them well with the spices. They will soak up all the flavors. Different Sauces to Use Spice up your stir-fry with different sauces. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and salty mix. Hoisin sauce offers a rich, bold flavor. You can even try a homemade sauce with peanut butter. Adding Nuts or Seeds For extra crunch, add nuts or seeds. Toasted cashews or sesame seeds work great. They add a lovely texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them on top before serving for a nice finish. - Airtight Container Use: Always store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and prevents odors from mixing in your fridge. - Refrigerator Guidelines: Place the container in the fridge right after serving. It can stay fresh for up to three days. - Proper Freezing Techniques: To freeze, let the stir-fry cool down first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out all the air to prevent freezer burn. - Thawing and Reheating Tips: When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pan over low heat. Stir occasionally until it heats through. - How Long It Lasts in the Fridge: In the fridge, this dish lasts about three days. Check for any signs of spoilage after this time. - Signs of Spoilage: Look for off smells, slimy texture, or discoloration. If you see any of these, it's best to throw it out. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you are short on time, put the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them fry well without excess moisture. Avoid using warm water, as it can cook the shrimp and change the texture. You can serve this dish with cooked jasmine rice or quinoa. Both options soak up the sweet chili sauce nicely. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad with a light dressing. These sides balance the meal and add more textures. If you want to keep it light, serve it over a bed of mixed greens. To add more heat, you can include sriracha sauce. A little goes a long way, so start with a teaspoon. You can also add red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers. For an extra kick, mix in some diced jalapeños with the garlic and ginger. Adjust to your taste, and remember to stir well to blend the heat evenly. Yes, this recipe can be low-carb depending on what you serve it with. If you choose to skip the rice or quinoa, you can enjoy the shrimp and veggies alone. The shrimp and vegetables provide lots of flavor and nutrients without many carbs. For an even lower-carb option, add more low-carb veggies like zucchini or cauliflower rice. This blog post has covered how to create a delicious Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry. We detailed the main ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for perfecting texture and flavor, along with variations and storage tips. Cooking this dish lets you customize it to your taste while keeping it healthy. The information you gain empowers you to impress with your cooking. Now it’s your turn to try this easy and tasty recipe! Enjoy your stir-frying adventure, and keep experimenting with flavors!

Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry

A delicious and vibrant stir-fry featuring large shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and snap peas, all coated in a sweet chili sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 unit yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 3 unit green onions, chopped (whites and greens separated)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • for serving unit cooked jasmine rice or quinoa

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, place the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the shrimp and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Gently stir to coat the shrimp and vegetables, heating through for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a splash of sriracha or extra sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Serve warm over jasmine rice or quinoa, garnished with the green parts of the chopped green onions.

Notes

For a vibrant presentation, layer the stir-fry over rice or quinoa and add a lime wedge on the side.
Keyword quick meal, shrimp, stir-fry, sweet chili