Spicy Garlic Shrimp
This Spicy Garlic Shrimp is packed with bold flavors and takes only 10 to 15 minutes to make from start to finish. Fresh shrimp is seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection and then topped with a generous drizzle of my mouth-watering Thai curry-inspired sauce.
10-Minute Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Get your taste buds ready, because this spicy garlic shrimp will be your new favorite side, app, or main course! This easy recipe creates deliciously crispy yet tender shrimp that’s loaded with tons of flavor.
The secret ingredient that really makes this recipe shine is a store-bought red curry paste. This stuff packs quite the flavor punch, with lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and more all wrapped up in one little package.
This creamy garlic shrimp can be enjoyed so many different ways.
It’s a great recipe to have in rotation since it’s easy to switch up and pair with multiple dishes. Serve it over cauliflower rice, salad, or with your favorite veggies and toppings on any special occasion or even for a low-key dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love It
- Makes for a tasty dinner that you can enjoy in many different ways.
- Has a 10-15 minute total cooking time — great for last-minute dinners!
- Made with simple ingredients that are low-carb friendly.
- The flavor is seriously next level!
What You’ll Need to Make It
- Shrimp: I recommend using wild shrimp as it’s healthier and has a more natural flavor and taste.
- Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is a nice heart-healthy cooking oil. Olive oil is also a good substitute.
- Seasoning: I used a blend of ginger powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to season the shrimp.
- Curry Paste: What gives the Thai-curry sauce all its depth of flavor!
- Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy richness to the sauce.
- Lime Juice: Lime juice adds brightness and acidity to the curry sauce.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro pairs beautifully with all the other flavors.
- Sesame Seeds: Provides texture while giving the shrimp a subtle nutty flavor.
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
Shrimp: I love how this recipe tastes with wild-caught shrimp, but you can always use farm-caught shrimp or thawed frozen shrimp as well.
Seasoning: There are other ways to spice up this shrimp without using chili flakes. Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper would taste delicious.
Mayonnaise: Is mayo not your thing? Sub it out with Greek yogurt or sour cream!
Lime Juice: Don’t have lime juice? Fresh lemon juice would also taste great in the sauce.
Cilantro: Rather not use cilantro? Other fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil would also be delicious.
Sesame Seeds: If you don’t have sesame seeds on hand, feel free to use chopped cashews or peanuts as a topping.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Shrimp
The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card. You can also watch how it comes together in my Instagram reel!
STEP 1 – SEASON SHRIMP
First, pat your shrimp dry and add it to a bowl. Then drizzle on the avocado oil and add in the ginger powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper.
Give it a good mix and let it sit while you make the sauce.
STEP 2 – MAKE THE SAUCE
In a separate small bowl, add the curry paste, mayo, and lime juice. Feel free to adjust any of these ratios depending on what you like.
Pro Tip: You can always double or triple the sauce to have more of it on hand. Trust me, you’ll want it!
STEP 3 – COOK SHRIMP
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray it with avocado oil. Add your shrimp, making sure there’s adequate room between them so you’re not overcrowding the pan.
Cook the shrimp for about 60-90 seconds on the first side, flip, and cook another minute or so on the other side. You don’t want to overcook shrimp as it’ll become rubbery.
STEP 4 – SERVE & ENJOY
When the shrimp is done cooking, plate it up and drizzle the sauce on top. Use as little or as much of the sauce as you’d like!
I then topped it with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and more chili flakes. Enjoy your yummy chili garlic shrimp!
Serving Suggestions
This spicy garlic shrimp recipe would be amazing on top of your favorite base.
I highly recommend cauliflower rice, regular rice, or my Kaizen low-carb rice. It would also taste fantastic over this Mediterranean Cucumber Salad or paired with veggies like my Keto Brussels Sprouts, Thomas Keller Zucchini, or Air Fryer Acorn Squash.
Don’t forget that fun and unusual toppings like chopped green onion, fresh mango or even blue cheese crumbles can go a long way!
FAQ
What are the benefits of eating shrimp?
According to Health.com, shrimp is a great source of protein with very few calories. It’s also packed with essential nutrients, like vitamin B12 and selenium. Vitamin B12 helps form red blood cells and maintain nervous system function, while selenium protects cells from damage.
Why is it better to buy wild shrimp?
Wild shrimp is better for your health and the environment. Unlike farmed shrimp, wild shrimp have a natural flavor, taste, and texture that you simply can’t find in farmed varieties. You’ll also know exactly what they’ve been eating — nothing but the good stuff from nature!
Additionally, wild shrimps don’t require any chemicals or antibiotics to keep them healthy, so you won’t have to worry about consuming anything that could be harmful.
Should I rinse my shrimp before cooking it?
If you buy fresh, raw shrimp with shells from the market, then yes — give them a quick rinse under cold water first. This will help remove any dirt, debris, or potential bacteria that could remain on the surface. You may also want to devein the shrimp before using if it hasn’t been done already.
Also, if you’re buying frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. Once defrosted, give them a quick rinse under cold water.
Storage
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, place your shrimp in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. It’s important that you don’t overcook the shrimp as it will get rubbery in texture.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Get your taste buds ready, because this spicy garlic shrimp will be your new favorite side, app, or main course! This easy recipe creates deliciously crispy yet tender shrimp that's loaded with tons of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound wild shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1-1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon curry paste
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- juice of 1/2 to 1 full lime
- fresh cilantro (optional)
- sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Pat your shrimp dry and add it to a bowl. Then drizzle on the avocado oil and add in the ginger powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix and let it sit while you make the sauce.
- In a separate small bowl, add the curry paste, mayo, and lime juice. Feel free to adjust any of these ratios depending on what you like. You can always double or triple the sauce to have more of it on hand. Trust me, you’ll want it!
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray it with avocado oil. Add your shrimp, making sure there's adequate room between them so you’re not overcrowding the pan.
- Cook the shrimp for about 60-90 seconds on the first side, flip, and cook another minute or so on the other side. You don’t want to overcook shrimp as it'll become rubbery.
- When the shrimp is done cooking, plate it up and drizzle the sauce on top. Use as little or as much of the sauce as you'd like! Top it with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and more chili flakes.
Notes
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, place your shrimp in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. It's important that you don't overcook the shrimp as it will get rubbery in texture.
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