Ugh, some nights I just stare into the fridge, totally wiped, and think, “What on EARTH can I make that’s fast AND actually tastes good?” Believe me, I get it! That’s exactly why this Irresistible Sweet Chili Shrimp With Asparagus Recipe is my absolute go-to. Seriously, it’s a weeknight lifesaver that delivers big on flavor without taking forever. I first threw this together when I was desperate for something new to liven up my usual rotation. It was a total game-changer, and now it’s a staple because it’s just SO darn delicious and easy!
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Sweet Chili Shrimp With Asparagus Recipe
It’s CRAZY Fast! Honestly, you can have this on the table in about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those nights when you’re starving and can’t wait.
Flavor EXPLOSION! That sweet chili sauce is just heavenly. It hits all the right notes – a little sweet, a little tangy, and just a touch of spice. It coats everything so beautifully.
Super Simple Ingredients: No fancy, hard-to-find stuff here. You probably have most of it in your pantry already, and the rest is easy to grab at any grocery store.
Healthy-ish, Yay! With lean protein from the shrimp and fiber from the asparagus, it feels like a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, you control the ingredients!
So Versatile: Don’t love asparagus? Swap it for broccoli or snap peas! Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes! It’s a great base recipe you can totally make your own.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win in my book! Most of this cooks up in just one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash later. Woohoo!
Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Sweet Chili Shrimp With Asparagus
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic starts. Having everything prepped makes cooking this dish a total breeze. Trust me, chopping everything *before* you start cooking is my biggest time-saving tip!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Make sure they’re raw! If they’re frozen, thaw them out completely first. It’s *super* easy to peel and devein shrimp yourself if you buy them shell-on, and it tastes so much better.
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces. Just snap off the woody ends; they’ll tell you where to break!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. Your everyday cooking olive oil is perfect here.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is key here! No powder. Mince it nice and fine.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce. This is the star! You can find this at pretty much any grocery store in the international aisle.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce. For that umami kick.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. Fresh ginger makes a HUGE difference compared to the powdered stuff. Just peel a little knob and grate away!
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). If you like a little heat, add these! You can always add more later if you’re feeling brave.
- Cooked rice, for serving. Brown rice, white rice, jasmine rice… whatever you love! It’s the perfect base to soak up all that yummy sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Irresistible Sweet Chili Shrimp With Asparagus
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times already. The key is to have everything prepped and ready to go because the actual stir-frying part is super quick. Trust me on this one!
- First things first, let’s get that skillet ready. Pop it on the stove over medium-high heat and add your olive oil. Let it get nice and hot – you’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers a bit.
- Now, add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan! You want them to cook, not steam. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. They cook fast, so watch them closely! If you’re new to peeling and deveining shrimp, this guide is a lifesaver. Once they’re done, scoop them out and set them aside on a plate.
- Toss in your trimmed asparagus pieces. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and tender-crisp – still with a bit of a bite! Nobody likes mushy asparagus, right?
Preparing the Sauce for Your Sweet Chili Shrimp
While that asparagus is doing its thing, quickly whisk together your sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Just combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, and those red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give it a good stir until it’s all blended together. Easy peasy!
Cooking the Shrimp and Asparagus Perfectly
Now, back to the skillet! Add your minced garlic to the asparagus and cook for just about 30 seconds until you can smell that amazing garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Then, return those perfectly cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the asparagus. Pour that glorious sauce all over everything. Give it a good toss so every single piece of shrimp and asparagus is coated in that sweet, spicy glaze. Let it bubble and thicken just a little for another 1-2 minutes. That’s it! You’re ready to serve!
Tips for Success with Your Sweet Chili Shrimp and Asparagus
Okay, so this recipe is pretty darn foolproof, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks along the way that really make it shine. First off, don’t skimp on the fresh ginger and garlic! Seriously, the flavor boost is HUGE. I always grate my ginger fresh; you can buy it pre-grated, but honestly, it’s just not the same. Also, when it comes to the asparagus, you want it bright green and still a little snappy. Overcooked asparagus is just sad, so keep an eye on it! And the shrimp? They cook SO fast. If you cook them too long, they get rubbery. So, pull them out as soon as they’re pink and a little bit curled. This happened to me once when I got distracted, and trust me, it’s worth watching them like a hawk!
Serving Suggestions for Irresistible Sweet Chili Shrimp With Asparagus
This sweet chili shrimp and asparagus dish is practically a meal in itself, but oh boy, does it sing when you pair it with the right sides! My absolute favorite is a fluffy bed of rice – jasmine or basmati are divine because they soak up all that incredible sauce SO well. You can even do a quick batch in your Instant Pot if you need it fast, like this Basmati Rice recipe suggests. Steamed broccoli or some crunchy snow peas are also fantastic if you want another veggie boost. I sometimes even just grab some crusty bread to mop up any last bits of sauce. Don’t forget a little squeeze of lime right at the end – it just brightens everything up!
Storage and Reheating Your Sweet Chili Shrimp Dish
So, you have some unbelievably delicious leftovers? Lucky you! To keep this sweet chili shrimp and asparagus tasting great, let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best way is to gently warm it up in a skillet over low heat. A splash of water or chicken broth can help keep it moist. Microwaving works too, but stir it partway through so it heats evenly. Avoid cooking it again at high heat, or those lovely shrimp can get tough!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus
Got questions about whipping up this amazing sweet chili shrimp? You’ve come to the right place! Here are some things people often ask:
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are totally fine. Just make sure you thaw them completely before you start cooking. The best way is to put them in a colander in the sink and run cool water over them for a few minutes. Give them a little pat dry afterward so they cook up nicely!
What can I substitute for asparagus?
If asparagus isn’t your jam, or you just don’t have any on hand, no worries! Crisp-tender broccoli florets, snap peas, snow peas, or even thinly sliced bell peppers would be delicious in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time a bit depending on the veggie you choose to make sure it’s tender-crisp!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Easy peasy! To kick up the heat, just add more of those red pepper flakes. You can also add a little dash of sriracha or a tiny bit of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to get it just right for your taste buds!
Nutritional Information for Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus
Now, I’m no registered dietitian, but I’ve crunched the numbers based on the recipe, and here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving (without the rice, of course!). This is just an estimate, as things can change a little depending on the exact brands you use and how big your shrimp are. You’re getting a good dose of protein and some healthy fats here!
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~15g
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp and crisp asparagus tossed in a sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Add asparagus to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Return shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and asparagus.
- Toss to coat everything evenly and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: sweet chili shrimp, shrimp asparagus recipe, quick shrimp dinner, stir-fry shrimp, easy seafood recipe