Zingy Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus Recipe for Dinner Magic

My kitchen adventures with sweet chili shrimp have always sparked unexpected culinary magic.

Spicy and vibrant flavors dance across tender seafood and crisp green stalks.

Succulent shrimp absorb rich marinades that complement delicate asparagus perfectly.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between heat and freshness.

Weeknight meals can feel extraordinary when you experiment with bold combinations.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality results in this simple yet impressive dish.

We promise this recipe will become your new favorite go-to meal.

What You’ll Need for Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood protein, best when fresh and deveined, wild-caught or farmed options work well.

• Asparagus, Red Bell Pepper, Onion: Fresh seasonal vegetables adding crunch and color, asparagus provides elegant green texture.

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Tangy and slightly spicy base for overall flavor profile, store-bought or homemade versions acceptable.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami depth and salt balance, low-sodium recommended for better control.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce and create glossy coating, ensures smooth texture.
• Water: Helps dilute and blend sauce ingredients seamlessly.

• Garlic: Adds robust flavor foundation, fresh minced garlic preferred over pre-chopped.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Optional toppings for extra freshness and nutty accent, enhances visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Provides cooking medium and light flavor, neutral cooking oils can substitute.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning for enhancing overall taste, adjust according to personal preference.

Cooking Sweet Chili Shrimp the Right Way

Step 1: Whip Up The Zesty Sauce

Grab a small mixing bowl and blend sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch until perfectly smooth. Let the sauce sit and mingle while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle The Colorful Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature.

• Sliced onion
• Red bell pepper
• Asparagus

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the vegetables. Stir-fry quickly for 3-4 minutes, keeping them crisp and vibrant. Transfer the vegetables to a separate plate.

Step 3: Cook The Succulent Seafood

In the same skillet, drizzle more olive oil.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Place shrimp in a single layer, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a beautiful pink color.

Step 4: Merge Flavors Together

Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with shrimp.

Pour the prepared zesty sauce over everything.

Gently toss to ensure each morsel gets coated. Allow sauce to slightly thicken for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Plate And Garnish

Remove from heat.

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top.

Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Helpful Notes on Sweet Chili Shrimp and Asparagus

• Optimize Shrimp Freshness: Select fresh, firm shrimp with a mild sea scent; avoid any strong fishy odors that indicate potential spoilage.
• Prevent Overcooking Technique: Watch shrimp carefully during cooking; they turn opaque and curl when done, typically within 2-3 minutes per side to maintain tender texture.
• Boost Vegetable Crispness: Stir-fry vegetables briefly to preserve their vibrant color and nutrients, ensuring they remain slightly crunchy and not soggy or limp.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust sweet chili sauce quantity or add red pepper flakes to control heat intensity according to personal preference and dietary needs.
• Quick Sauce Thickening Tip: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, glossy sauce consistency when coating shrimp and vegetables.

How to Store and Warm Sweet Chili Shrimp

• Store leftover sweet chili shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Microwaving can make shrimp tough and rubbery. Skillet reheating preserves texture and flavor better.
• Consume within 24-48 hours for optimal taste and texture. Discard if shrimp develops an off smell or slimy texture.

Sides That Go with Sweet Chili Shrimp

• A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the sweet and spicy flavors, complementing the shrimp's delicate texture with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Blend fresh lime juice, sparkling water, and a touch of honey to mirror the sweet chili sauce's tangy profile, providing a zesty non-alcoholic alternative that enhances the dish's vibrant flavors.
• Steamed jasmine rice absorbs the sweet chili sauce perfectly, offering a subtle fragrant backdrop that balances the shrimp's spiciness and adds a comforting texture to the meal.
• A light Japanese lager like Sapporo or Asahi provides a crisp, clean finish that neutralizes the dish's heat while highlighting the umami undertones of soy sauce and shrimp.

Fun Ways to Change Sweet Chili Shrimp

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a completely gluten-free version of the dish while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap steamed rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the meal light and nutritious.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing the protein before following the same cooking method to create a plant-based version of the sweet chili stir-fry.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the sweet chili sauce mixture for those who enjoy extra heat, creating a more intense and fiery flavor experience.

Questions About Sweet Chili Shrimp? Here’s Help

• Is this dish spicy?

The sweet chili sauce provides a mild, tangy heat that’s not overwhelming. It offers a gentle kick that most people can enjoy without feeling too much spice.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just ensure you thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents excess water in the pan.

• What if I don't have sweet chili sauce?

You can substitute with a mix of chili sauce, honey, and a touch of vinegar to create a similar flavor profile. The key is balancing sweet and slightly spicy elements.

• How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn from gray to pink and curl slightly. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch carefully and cook just until they’re opaque throughout.

Why Sweet Chili Shrimp Is Always a Hit

• Combine protein-rich shrimp with nutrient-dense asparagus, creating a balanced meal that delivers incredible taste and health benefits in every bite.
• Recreate a delectable Asian-inspired dish without complicated techniques, allowing home cooks to easily produce a professional-looking meal that impresses family and guests.
• Customize this recipe by swapping shrimp for chicken, tofu, or other proteins, and serve over rice, noodles, or even as a lettuce wrap for endless meal variations.

Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling sweet chili shrimp with asparagus brings zesty Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Perfectly balanced spices and succulent seafood create a delightful meal that satisfies you with minimal effort and maximum taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasoning:

• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sweet chili sauce by whisking together chili sauce, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch in a mixing vessel until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, introducing sliced onions, crimson bell peppers, and tender asparagus spears into the sizzling environment.
3. Season the vegetable medley with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper, gently stirring and tossing for approximately 3-4 minutes until vegetables maintain a vibrant, crisp-tender texture.
4. Transfer the partially cooked vegetables to a temporary holding plate, preserving their pristine condition.
5. Reintroduce the skillet to heat, drizzling remaining olive oil and allowing minced garlic to dance and release its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds.
6. Carefully arrange shrimp in a single, elegant layer across the skillet’s surface, allowing each morsel to transform from translucent to blush pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Reunite the reserved vegetables with the perfectly cooked shrimp, creating a harmonious culinary landscape.
8. Cascade the previously prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetable ensemble, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coverage and allowing the sauce to develop a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
9. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions, presenting the vibrant creation atop steamed rice or delicate noodles.
10. Serve immediately, capturing the dish’s peak temperature and flavor profile.

Notes

• Select jumbo or large shrimp for the best texture and meaty bite, ensuring they cook evenly without becoming rubbery.
• Create a quick marinade by letting shrimp sit in a mixture of garlic and salt for 10 minutes before cooking to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Keep asparagus crisp-tender by cutting diagonal slices and stir-frying briefly to maintain vibrant green color and nutritional value.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more cornstarch for a thicker glaze or water for a lighter coating, depending on personal preference.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg