Mediterranean Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp
This Mediterranean Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is quick, flavorful, and full of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes. The shrimp are seared until juicy, then tossed in a garlicky chili sauce with a Mediterranean touch of herbs, lemon, and fresh parsley. It’s a simple yet impressive dish you can serve as an appetizer, over rice, or with couscous and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Time:
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: ~20 minutes
Ingredients
Shrimp and Preparation
1 lb raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
1 tbsp olive oil
Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped
½ cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1 tsp fresh ginger root, slivered or minced (optional)
Flavorings and Garnish (Optional)
Juice and zest of ½ lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
Prepare the shrimp:
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Cook the shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic (and ginger if using) for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the sweet chili sauce and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Combine:
Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle with zest. Stir well.
Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve hot with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.
Tips
Dry the shrimp well: This helps them sear instead of steaming, giving you a nice golden edge.
Cook quickly: Shrimp turn rubbery if overcooked. As soon as they’re pink and opaque, pull them off the heat.
Layer flavors: Adding garlic and ginger before the sauce deepens the flavor, so don’t skip that quick sauté.
Taste the sauce: Sweet chili sauces vary in sweetness and spice—adjust with lemon juice or red pepper flakes as needed.
Serve immediately: The shrimp are best enjoyed hot right after cooking.
Variations
Herb swap: Use fresh dill, basil, or mint instead of parsley or cilantro for a different Mediterranean accent.
Citrus twist: Swap lemon for lime or orange zest for a slightly different brightness.
Extra heat: Stir in a bit of harissa paste or cayenne if you prefer spicier shrimp.
Grilled version: Skewer the shrimp, grill them quickly, then toss in the chili garlic sauce.
Make it a meal: Serve over couscous, quinoa, orzo, or even a Mediterranean grain salad.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking. Extra moisture will prevent a good sear.
Q: Is store-bought sweet chili sauce okay?
Absolutely. Store-bought is convenient, but you can also make your own with chili flakes, vinegar, sugar, and garlic for more control over sweetness and spice.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
On its own, sweet chili sauce is mild and slightly sweet. The spice level comes from adding red pepper flakes or harissa if you prefer extra heat.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Shrimp are best served right after cooking, but you can prep the sauce in advance and quickly reheat it when ready to toss with freshly cooked shrimp.
Q: What can I serve with it?
It pairs beautifully with couscous, orzo, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, serve it over a green salad.
Nutrition
(per serving, 4 servings)
Calories: ~220
Protein: 24 g
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 9 g
Sodium: ~560 mg
(Values will vary depending on the type of sweet chili sauce and shrimp size used.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp is a quick, flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of chili sauce with the savory bite of garlic and the brightness of lemon. With minimal prep and a short cook time, it’s a perfect weeknight option or an elegant dish for entertaining. Whether served as a main over grains or as a vibrant appetizer, this dish brings Mediterranean freshness and a hint of heat to your table.