If you love bold, spicy flavors, this Chili Garlic Shrimp recipe is about to become your new favorite! Juicy shrimp are stir-fried in a savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet sauce with just the right amount of heat.

It’s quick to make, packed with umami, and perfect for serving over rice for an easy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a fan of shrimp in chili garlic sauce or just looking for an easy, flavorful meal, this dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort.

What is Chili Garlic Shrimp?

Chili garlic shrimp is a classic stir-fry dish where shrimp are quickly seared and tossed in a spicy, garlicky sauce made with chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and aromatics like ginger and shallots. This type of dish is common in Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking, where bold flavors come together in just minutes.

The secret to this chili garlic shrimp recipe is the balance of flavors—spicy from the dried chilis and chili garlic sauce, savory from the soy and oyster sauce, and a slight sweetness that rounds it all out. It’s a very satisfying dish that pairs well with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Quick and easy: This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with flavor: A combination of garlic, chili, soy sauce, and oyster sauce gives the shrimp a bold, umami-rich taste.
Great over rice or noodles: The flavorful sauce coats everything beautifully, making it a perfect pairing for carbs.
Restaurant-quality at home: Get that takeout-style flavor without the extra oil or added preservatives.

If you like this recipe, you have to check out my recipes for Sesame Shrimp Toast or Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

Shrimp: Tender, juicy, and the perfect protein for soaking up the bold chili garlic sauce.
Neutral Oil (Vegetable or Avocado Oil): Helps sear the shrimp and prevent sticking while keeping the flavors clean.
Salt: Lightly seasons the shrimp to enhance its natural sweetness.
Garlic: Adds deep, fragrant flavor to the dish.
Ginger: Brings a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the shrimp.
Shallot: A mild, slightly sweet onion flavor that blends well with the other aromatics.
Dried Red Chilis: Provides heat and smokiness, infusing the oil with a subtle spiciness.
Cilantro: A fresh garnish that balances out the bold flavors with a hint of brightness.

For the Sauce:

Chili Garlic Sauce (or Sambal Oelek): The key ingredient that adds spice, garlic, and tangy depth.
Soy Sauce: Brings saltiness and umami to round out the flavors.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet, and savory taste to the sauce.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity.
Rice Vinegar: Gives a mild tang that brightens up the dish.
Ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and extra depth to the sauce.
Water or Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the sauce while adding a bit of extra flavor.

Customizations

Use fresh chilis: You can use fresh red chilis instead of dried chilis. Adjust to your spice level!
Vegetable boost: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for added texture.
Soy-free option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a similar salty-sweet flavor.

How to Make Chili Garlic Shrimp

Prepare the Shrimp and Sauce

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and lightly season with salt.

In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and water. Set aside.

Stir-Fry the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics and Sauce

In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of oil.

Add minced garlic, ginger, shallot, and dried chilis, stir-frying until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).

Pour in the chili garlic sauce mixture and cook for about 1 minute until slightly reduced.

Combine Everything

Add the shrimp back to the pan and toss everything together for 20 seconds, ensuring the shrimp are well coated in sauce.

Turn off the heat and transfer the shrimp to a serving plate.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Tips

Dry the shrimp well: Patting the shrimp dry helps them sear better and absorb the sauce more effectively.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook quickly—once they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done!
Adjust the spice level: Add more or less chilis and chili garlic sauce to adjust to your taste!