Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings:

• 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1/3 cup shrimp stock (see Cook's Note)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped shallot
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, sliced
• 1 (1/8-inch-thick) slice fresh ginger
• 1 pound raw shrimp, 21-25 shrimp per pound, shelled and deveined

Directions

1. Combine chili-garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, shrimp stock, tomato paste, mirin, sesame oil, 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger, 1 clove minced garlic, shallot, and cilantro in a blender or small food processor. Pulse several times to chop, then pure for 30 to 45 seconds. Set sauce aside, or refrigerate until needed.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and ginger. Cook until browned, watching closely to avoid burning, about 2 minutes. Carefully remove garlic and ginger from the oil and discard.
3. In the seasoned oil, carefully add the shrimp. Cook until they just begin to turn pink and curl head to tail, about 2 minutes. Flip the shrimp and add the prepared sauce. Cook, stirring, until the shrimp are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145F (63C).
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and keep warm. Continue to cook and stir the sauce until it thickens and reduces to about 3/4 cup.
5. Pour the thickened sauce over the shrimp and toss to cover. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro.

Cook's Note

To make shrimp stock, use about 1/2 teaspoon of shrimp or seafood base with 1/3 cup of water. You can also make your own by boiling shrimp shells in enough water to cover for about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	231
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	143mg
Sodium	946mg
Total Carbohydrate	12g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	5g
Protein	17g
Vitamin C	8mg
Calcium	78mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	309mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Chili Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful fusion dish that blends the rich, aromatic spices of East Asian cuisine with succulent shrimp. The sauce features a bold combination of chili garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, and shrimp stock, making it slightly spicy, tangy, and deeply savory. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking for something a little different from the usual preparations.

History of Chili Garlic Shrimp

Chili Garlic Shrimp is part of the broader category of fusion dishes that combine traditional Asian flavors with global ingredients. It draws influences from various regions, particularly Southeast Asia and China, where chili and garlic are often used to create complex, umami-rich sauces. While its exact origin is not clearly documented, the dish likely emerged in the late 20th century, when Asian flavors became more popular in Western cuisine. Its versatility and bold flavor profile have made it a favorite in modern cooking.

Regional Features

The Chili Garlic Shrimp recipe is influenced by the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, particularly Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisine. Chili garlic sauce, a key component, is a common ingredient in many Asian dishes, providing a perfect balance of heat and flavor. Hoisin sauce, which is sweeter and tangier, is often used in Chinese stir-fries and adds a richness to the dish. Additionally, shrimp stock, often made from the shells of shrimp or seafood bases, enhances the seafood flavor, making this recipe a true representation of coastal culinary traditions.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While there are many shrimp dishes in Asian cuisine, Chili Garlic Shrimp stands out due to its distinctive sauce. For example, dishes like Thai shrimp with basil or Chinese shrimp with garlic are often lighter in sauce and focus more on fresh herbs. In contrast, Chili Garlic Shrimp uses a richer, more complex sauce that combines spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. The hoisin sauce gives it a distinct sweetness, setting it apart from more straightforward garlic-based shrimp dishes. Additionally, the use of shrimp stock adds depth and a savory umami flavor, which is not typically present in similar recipes.

Where Its Typically Served

Chili Garlic Shrimp is often served as a main course in Asian fusion restaurants, especially in urban areas where theres a high demand for innovative and international flavors. It can be served over steamed rice, which helps balance the spiciness of the sauce, or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It is also commonly featured as an appetizer in seafood restaurants, offering a bold, flavorful start to a meal. In some cases, it can be part of a shared platter for family-style dining.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of chili and garlic is a staple in many Asian cuisines and is believed to have health benefits, including boosting metabolism and improving digestion.
• Hoisin sauce, used in this recipe, is a sweet and savory sauce made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Its often used in Chinese cooking as a glaze or dipping sauce.
• Chili Garlic Shrimp can easily be adjusted to suit different spice tolerances. The level of heat can be modified by increasing or decreasing the chili-garlic sauce or adding fresh chili peppers to the dish.
• While shrimp is the typical protein used in this recipe, the sauce can be adapted for other proteins such as chicken or tofu for those who prefer alternatives.

Chili Garlic Shrimp brings together bold, complex flavors with a simple yet sophisticated preparation. Whether you're a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking to try something new, this dish offers a delicious fusion of heat, sweetness, and savory depth.

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