How to Make Chinese-Style Chili Garlic Shrimp: A Perfectly Spicy, Flavorful Recipe

Gathering Ingredients for Chili Garlic Shrimp

To make the best Chinese-style chili garlic shrimp, it's essential to use fresh, quality ingredients that bring out the bold flavors of the dish. Here's what you'll need to get started:

1. Shrimp

For a rich, flavorful dish, choose large, peeled and deveined shrimp. Fresh shrimp will provide the best texture, but frozen shrimp can also work well if thawed properly.

2. Aromatics and Vegetables

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2-3 dried red chilies (adjust for desired spice level)
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (optional for extra flavor)

3. Sauces and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for a deeper flavor)
• 1-2 tablespoons chili paste or chili oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Preparing the Shrimp for Chili Garlic Dish

Before cooking the shrimp, it's important to properly prepare them for maximum flavor and texture. Here's how to get them ready:

1. Clean the Shrimp

If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry with a paper towel. Fresh shrimp should be peeled and deveined before cooking. Keeping the tails on can make for a nicer presentation.

2. Marinate the Shrimp

To add flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and a dash of rice vinegar for about 10-15 minutes. This step infuses the shrimp with a savory base that complements the chili garlic sauce.

Making the Chili Garlic Sauce

The chili garlic sauce is what brings the dish to life. It combines savory, spicy, and sweet elements to create the perfect balance of flavor.

1. Heat the Oil

In a wok or large skillet, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the dried chilies, garlic, and ginger, sautéing them until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

2. Add the Sauces

Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), chili paste, and sugar to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should have a nice balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors.

3. Adjust Spice Level

If you like your chili garlic shrimp extra spicy, feel free to add more chili paste or chili oil. The key is to adjust it to your personal heat tolerance while maintaining the flavor balance.

Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection

Now that your shrimp are prepared and the sauce is ready, it's time to cook the shrimp. The goal is to cook the shrimp quickly while keeping them tender and juicy.

1. Sauté the Shrimp

Heat a bit more oil in the pan, then add the marinated shrimp. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp cook quickly and can become tough.

2. Combine with Sauce

Once the shrimp are cooked, pour the chili garlic sauce over the shrimp, tossing them to coat evenly. Let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Chili Garlic Shrimp

Once your Chinese-style chili garlic shrimp is cooked, it's time to serve it up! This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes.

1. Serve with Steamed Rice

Serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed white rice or jasmine rice. The rice will help balance the heat from the chili and soak up the delicious sauce.

2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs

For added flavor and color, garnish your dish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions. This gives the dish a fresh contrast against the rich, spicy sauce.

3. Pair with Vegetables

To complete your meal, serve the chili garlic shrimp alongside sautéed or stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, or bell peppers. This adds both nutrition and crunch to your meal.