There’s an unmistakable thrill when I hear the sizzle of shrimp meeting a hot pan, and the aroma of garlic dancing with ginger is simply intoxicating. One evening, after a long day where fast food just wouldn’t do, I decided it was time to whip up something special—not just for me, but to reignite my love for home-cooked flavors. Enter my Garlic Shrimp with Chili Crisp—a vibrant stir-fry that effortlessly balances the crunch of fresh ingredients with a creamy, spicy twist.
This dish has quickly become my go-to for impressing guests or simply treating myself; it’s quick to prepare, and the flavors are sensational. The shrimp velveted to perfection, sautéed in a fragrant medley, and then tossed in a sauce that adds just the right kick. Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite at your table!
Why is Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp amazing?
Quick to Prepare: This delightful dish comes together in mere minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, ginger, and chili crisp creates a taste sensation that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, noodles, or as a flavorful appetizer; the choice is yours!
Crowd-Pleasing: Impress family and friends with this vibrant recipe that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and shrimp, it’s a guilt-free choice that satisfies.
Ready to experience this mouthwatering creation? Check out my simple tips for making Shrimp Stir Fry that elevates your dining experience!
Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Large shrimp – use peeled and deveined shrimp for easy cooking and maximum flavor.
• Baking soda – this helps velvet the shrimp, giving it a tender texture.
• Salt – enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor during the brining process.
For the Stir Fry
• Vegetable oil – perfect for high-heat cooking without altering the flavor.
• Garlic – finely chopped for a robust flavor that infuses the dish.
• Fresh ginger – adds a warming spice that complements the garlic beautifully.
• Shallot – brings a sweet, onion-like flavor that rounds out the dish.
• Green onions – roughly chopped for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
For the Sauce
• Chili crisp – introduces a delightful heat and texture that elevates the dish.
• Mayonnaise – adds a creamy richness that balances the spiciness.
• Soy sauce – provides a savory depth and umami flavor throughout.
• Sriracha sauce – a splash of this spicy sauce gives an extra kick to your Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp.
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s transform your kitchen into a haven of delicious aromas and flavors!
How to Make Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp
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Velvet the shrimp: In a bowl, mix the shrimp with baking soda and salt until each piece is evenly coated. Let it brine for 15 minutes, then rinse under cold water and pat dry for the best texture.
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Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together chili crisp, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
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Sauté aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chopped garlic, ginger, and shallot. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, golden, and inviting.
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Cook the shrimp: Add the velveted shrimp into the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Stir in green onions and cook for just 1 more minute for that added freshness.
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Add sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and toss gently until they are evenly coated. Transfer to a plate and serve with a side of rice for a delightful meal.
Optional: Garnish with additional green onions for an extra touch of freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp
Fridge: Store leftover Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and allow it to cool fully before freezing to maintain texture.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring gently to maintain the dish’s moisture.
Freshness Tip: For the best taste, enjoy your Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp right after cooking, but with proper storage, it will still be delicious!
What to Serve with Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp?
Creating the perfect meal is all about harmonizing flavors and textures that elevate every bite. Let’s explore some delightful pairings to complement your shrimp stir-fry masterpiece.
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Fluffy Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the flavors of the shrimp and sauce, providing a comforting base for the dish.
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Steamed Broccoli: With its bright color and crunchy texture, broccoli adds a fresh element that balances the rich, creamy shrimp.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These light and crunchy rolls make for a great appetizer or side, adding a fun texture that pairs beautifully with the tender shrimp.
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Garlic Noodles: These savory noodles echo the garlic in the stir-fry while offering a delightful chewiness. A match made in heaven!
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Peanut Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and slightly crunchy, this salad provides a cool contrast to the spicy shrimp, creating a harmonious meal.
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Sweet Mango Chutney: A spoonful of tropical sweetness brings a delightful zing, enhancing the overall flavor experience of your dinner.
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Chilled Riesling: The sweetness and acidity of this wine beautifully balance the spices, turning your meal into a culinary celebration.
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Coconut Tapioca Pudding: For dessert, this creamy dish with subtle sweetness wraps up the meal on a light note, ensuring a delightful ending.
These pairings not only enhance your Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp, but they also transform your dinner into a vibrant feast that you and your loved ones will cherish. Happy cooking!
Expert Tips for Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp
Velveting Secrets: Use baking soda and salt to properly velvet the shrimp, ensuring a tender texture that elevates your dish.
Don’t Overcook: Cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque—about 4-5 minutes. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp.
Sauce Balance: Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce according to your spice preference; start with less and add more for a delightful kick.
Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Dried versions won’t provide the same vibrant taste in your Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp.
Serve Hot: For maximum enjoyment, serve the dish immediately while it’s still hot and fragrant, paired with warm rice or noodles.
Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Variations
Looking to add a personal twist to your Garlic Shrimp with Chili Crisp? Let your creativity flow in the kitchen!
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Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of heat that will tickle your taste buds.
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Herbaceous Delight: Toss in freshly chopped cilantro or basil at the end for a burst of freshness and an aromatic lift.
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Citrus Zest: A squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens the dish and adds a delightful zing to the flavor profile.
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Veggie Boost: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to add nutrition and color, creating a heartier meal that’s bursting with life.
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Add Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted cashews or peanuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.
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Coconut Cream: Swap the mayonnaise with coconut cream for a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the spicy flavors.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb, guilt-free alternative that still satisfies.
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Pasta Variation: Transform it into a pasta dish by tossing the shrimp with cooked noodles and a splash of pasta water for a luscious finish.
Embrace these variations and make this dish your own while delighting your family and friends with flavors that speak to you!
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can velvet the shrimp and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow steps 1 and 2 of the recipe and store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator, as brining in advance helps enhance the texture while preventing browning. The sauce can also be mixed and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. When you’re ready to cook, heat oil in a pan, add the aromatics, and then the shrimp, cooking until just pink (about 4-5 minutes). Toss with the prepared sauce and serve over rice for a quick and delightful meal that tastes just as delicious as when freshly made!
Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp?
Absolutely! I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best results. Look for shrimp that have a slight sheen and no dark spots or off-putting odor. Fresh shrimp will offer the best flavor, but you can also use frozen shrimp—just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
How should I store leftover Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to let the shrimp cool completely before sealing the container to avoid condensation, which can make the shrimp soggy.
Can I freeze Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months! To do so, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring there’s little air inside. Allow the dish to cool fully before freezing to help maintain its texture and flavor. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What if I overcooked the shrimp?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If you find your shrimp are rubbery, try using them in a hearty soup or curry where they can absorb moisture. Next time, keep a close eye on the cooking time—shrimp are perfectly done when they’re pink and opaque, usually in just 4-5 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Very! You can easily make Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp gluten-free by swapping the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative, like tamari. Always double-check the labels to ensure all other ingredients meet your dietary needs, especially the chili crisp and mayonnaise.
What should I serve with this dish?
The more the merrier! Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp is fantastic over steamed rice or noodles. You could also serve it alongside a fresh salad to balance the spices or use it as a topping for tacos for an exciting twist!
Garlic Shrimp With Chili Crisp: A Quick Flavor Explosion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Velvet the shrimp: In a bowl, mix the shrimp with baking soda and salt until each piece is evenly coated. Let it brine for 15 minutes, then rinse under cold water and pat dry for the best texture.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together chili crisp, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chopped garlic, ginger, and shallot. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, golden, and inviting.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the velveted shrimp into the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Stir in green onions and cook for just 1 more minute for that added freshness.
- Add sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and toss gently until they are evenly coated. Transfer to a plate and serve with a side of rice for a delightful meal.