Chilly Shrimp Recipe
Make Chilly Shrimp Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Marinated Shrimp
Chilly Sauce
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Marinated Shrimp
- 1
Prepare and Marinate
Rinse and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place shrimp in a bowl and toss with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, minced garlic (3 cloves), 2 Tbs fresh lime juice and 1 Tbs olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for 10–20 minutes while you prepare the sauce. Do not marinate much longer than 30 minutes if using lime; citrus will begin to 'cook' the shrimp.
- 2
About 10 minutes before cooking, remove shrimp from the refrigerator to come slightly toward room temperature for more even cooking.
Chilly Sauce
- 3
Mix Sauce Base
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tbs soy sauce, 1 Tbs honey (or brown sugar), 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 2 Tbs water until smooth. Add 1/2 tsp cornstarch and stir until fully dissolved. Set aside.
- 4
Sweat Aromatics
Heat 2 Tbs neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- 5
Add 1 tsp red chili flakes and 1 Tbs gochujang or sambal oelek to the skillet. Stir for 20–30 seconds to bloom the chili flavors in the oil.
- 6
Finish the Sauce
Pour the soy-honey-cornstarch mixture into the pan, stirring constantly. Add 1 tsp chili oil if using. Simmer for 30–60 seconds until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. If it becomes too thick, add up to 1–2 Tbs water to reach a saucy consistency.
Cook Shrimp & Combine
- 7
Sear Shrimp
Move the sauce to the edge of the skillet or transfer to a small bowl and wipe the pan clean if browning is excessive. Increase heat to high and add a touch of oil if needed. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, cooking 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque (total 3–4 minutes depending on size). Do not overcook.
- 8
When the shrimp are nearly done, return the sauce to the skillet (if removed) and toss the shrimp in the sauce, cooking together 30–60 seconds so the shrimp are fully coated and the sauce clings. Taste and adjust: add a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lime, or a splash of soy if needed.
Finishing & Serve
- 9
Remove from heat. Transfer shrimp to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and chopped cilantro or parsley if using.
- 10
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. These chilly shrimp pair well with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp green salad.