Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly quick dinner? Look no further! This spicy sweet shrimp recipe is bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, yet satisfying enough for experienced cooks. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste!)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions:
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the spicy sweet sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for Delicious Dishes:
- Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more sriracha or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the spicy sweet shrimp over rice, quinoa, or even zucchini noodles for a healthy and balanced meal.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, snow peas, or sliced mushrooms.
- Use different protein: Substitute the shrimp with chicken, tofu, or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: Roast the shrimp and vegetables on a sheet pan for an easy cleanup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
This spicy sweet shrimp recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a delicious dish that's both easy to make and satisfying to eat. Enjoy!