Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp and crisp asparagus in a sweet and tangy sauce. This stir-fry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. The sweet chili sauce adds a delightful kick, while the asparagus brings freshness and crunch to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Light: Loaded with protein and fresh vegetables.
- Balanced Flavors: The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Versatile: Great served with rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the shrimp to the skillet. Pour the sweet chili sauce over the shrimp and asparagus, tossing to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
- Add More Veggies: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
- Swap the Protein: Use chicken, tofu, or beef instead of shrimp.
- Serve Over Grains: Pair with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or rice noodles for a complete meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended as shrimp and asparagus may become mushy when thawed.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to prevent them from becoming tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and are opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking as they can become rubbery.
Can I use a different vegetable instead of asparagus?
Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, or green beans work well in this recipe.
What can I serve with sweet chili shrimp?
Serve it over rice, noodles, or as part of a stir-fry with additional vegetables.
Can I use homemade sweet chili sauce?
Yes, homemade sweet chili sauce works perfectly in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.
How do I make this dish lower in sugar?
Reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce or use a sugar-free alternative.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best cooked fresh to keep the shrimp tender.
How do I keep the asparagus crisp?
Stir-fry the asparagus quickly over high heat to maintain its crunch.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus is a vibrant and delicious dish that combines tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a sweet and tangy sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need a healthy and satisfying meal in a flash. Whether served over rice, noodles, or on its own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy a flavorful stir-fry that’s as tasty as it is simple to make!
Print
Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Sweet Chili Shrimp with Asparagus is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp and crisp asparagus, all glazed with a sweet and spicy chili sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped green onions
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and asparagus. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still retain some crispness. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
-
Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
-
Combine and Sauce:
- Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables.
- Toss everything together to ensure even coating. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms based on your preference.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding a teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Protein Alternatives: Chicken or tofu can be used in place of shrimp for variation.