Sizzling Tangy Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

Shimmering shrimp tossed in tangy sweet chili sauce creates an instant mouthwatering experience that satisfies every craving.

Crisp asparagus spears complement the succulent seafood with their vibrant green crunch.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness that dances across your palate.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal that looks and tastes like something from a restaurant kitchen.

Minimal prep time means you can have this delectable dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly delicious home cooking can be.

Serving Sweet Chili Shrimp With Balance

• Flavor Burst Combo: Pair the sweet chili shrimp with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and complement the tangy, spicy flavors.
• Healthy Bowl Delight: Create a nutrient-packed grain bowl by layering the shrimp and asparagus over quinoa, topped with extra sesame seeds for added crunch and protein.
• Quick Wrap Adventure: Transform leftovers into a zesty lunch wrap using large lettuce leaves or tortillas, adding fresh cucumber and a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce for extra zing.
• Party Appetizer Twist: Serve the shrimp on small skewers as a crowd-pleasing finger food during gatherings, making it easy for guests to enjoy bite-sized pieces with toothpicks.

How to Store Shrimp Without Losing Texture

• Keep leftover sweet chili shrimp in an airtight container, which maintains optimal flavor and texture for 1-2 days. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent rubbery shrimp texture. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture and prevent drying out during reheating.
• Store shrimp and vegetables separately if possible, which helps maintain individual ingredient crispness and prevents soggy vegetables. This method extends meal quality and taste appeal.
• Freeze sauce and vegetables separately from shrimp. Cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 weeks when sealed tightly in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for Sweet Chili Shrimp & Asparagus

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and adds subtle fruity undertone, choose extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, use sea salt for better mineral complexity.
• Black Pepper: Introduces warm spiciness, freshly ground offers more vibrant flavor.

• Shrimp: Delicate protein with sweet oceanic taste, select fresh or frozen medium-sized shrimp with firm texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic foundational flavor, choose fresh cloves for most intense punch.

• Onion: Adds sweet underlying depth, white or yellow varieties work best.
• Red Bell Pepper: Contributes vibrant color and crisp texture, select firm peppers with bright glossy skin.
• Asparagus: Brings earthy freshness, choose slender bright green stalks with tight tips.

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Creates tangy-sweet flavor profile, opt for authentic Thai-style sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami richness, low-sodium versions recommended.
• Water: Helps balance sauce consistency.
• Cornstarch: Ensures smooth sauce thickening, use pure cornstarch without additives.

• Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch, toast lightly for enhanced flavor.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh herbal brightness, select bright green stalks with white bottoms.

Kitchen Gear That Handles Shrimp With Ease

• Skillet or Wok: Large, deep pan for high-heat stir-frying and even cooking.
• Small Bowl: For whisking sauce ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending sauce ingredients without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Solid surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and ingredient slicing.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning and sauce measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and tossing ingredients while cooking.

How to Sauté Shrimp and Asparagus Just Right

• Whip Up the Flavor Bomb

Create a zesty sauce by blending sweet chili sauce with soy sauce, mixing until completely smooth and glossy.

• Sizzle the Veggie Medley

Blast olive oil into a hot skillet, tossing in crisp onions, vibrant bell peppers, and tender asparagus. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir-fry until vegetables are just kissed by heat, maintaining their gorgeous crunch.

• Dance with the Shrimp

In the same sizzling pan, splash more olive oil and quickly awaken minced garlic until its aroma fills the kitchen. Slide shrimp into a single layer, cooking each side until they transform into a beautiful pink hue.

• Marry the Flavors

Reunite the vegetables with their shrimp companions. Drench everything in the prepared sauce, gently tossing until every morsel glistens. Let the sauce embrace the ingredients, thickening into a luxurious coating.

• Plate with Passion

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a final flourish. Nestle over steamed rice or noodles and serve immediately while the flavors are at their peak.

Flavor Upgrades for Chili Shrimp Lovers

• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve beautiful golden-brown edges and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or salmon for delightful alternative protein options that absorb the sweet chili sauce wonderfully.
• Adjust heat by mixing sriracha or red pepper flakes into the sweet chili sauce for those craving extra kick, or dilute with more water for milder palates.
• Skip rice or noodles and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a keto-friendly and low-carbohydrate meal that's equally delicious.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli instead of asparagus to keep the dish fresh and adaptable throughout different seasons.

Tangy Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Irresistible sweet chili shrimp with asparagus brings zesty Southeast Asian flavors to your dinner table. Crispy prawns glazed in spicy-sweet sauce mingle with tender green spears, creating a quick and elegant meal packed with bold, balanced taste sensations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl until uniformly blended, creating a glossy and smooth mixture.
2. Vegetable Sautéing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce sliced onion, red bell pepper, and asparagus, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir-fry vegetables rapidly for 3-4 minutes, maintaining their vibrant color and crisp texture. Transfer sautéed vegetables to a separate plate.
3. Shrimp Cooking: Utilize the same skillet, adding remaining olive oil. Infuse minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for 30 seconds. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, allowing each piece to cook evenly for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a beautiful pink hue.
4. Final Integration: Reunite cooked vegetables with sizzling shrimp in the skillet. Cascade prepared sauce over the ingredients, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating. Allow mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes, enabling sauce to caramelize and thicken slightly.
5. Plating: Transfer the sweet chili shrimp and asparagus medley onto steamed rice or noodles. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an enhanced visual and flavor profile. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly to prevent rubbery texture, which happens when overcooked.
• Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to shrimp and vegetables.
• Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color, avoiding soggy or limp vegetables that lose nutritional value.
• Replace rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg