If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to whip up, and satisfies your hunger with every bite, then Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice is exactly what you need. This recipe combines tender, garlicky shrimp coated in a luscious sweet chili sauce, perfectly paired with fluffy fried rice and colorful veggies. It’s a delightful meal that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, making it a weeknight favorite or a weekend treat. Best of all, it’s made with simple ingredients and comes together in no time, making it an accessible recipe for cooks of all levels.
Why It Deserves a Spot
This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice is more than just a quick meal — it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers layers of flavor in every forkful. Here’s why it deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation:
- Bold yet balanced flavors: The blend of sweet chili sauce and garlic creates a tantalizing taste that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Nutritious and colorful: Loaded with vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and peas, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a ton of fuss.
- One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
If you love shrimp dishes, you might also want to explore Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls for a crunchy, savory twist.
What to Buy
To make this Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice, you’ll want to gather the freshest ingredients possible to bring out the best flavors:
- 2 cups cooked rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it’s less sticky and fries up nicely.
- 1 pound shrimp: Peeled and deveined, fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp will do.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For frying, but you can substitute with canola or sunflower oil.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with a fragrant aroma.
- 1 onion: Chopped — yellow or white onion both work great.
- 1 bell pepper: Diced — any color, though red or orange add a nice sweetness.
- 2 carrots: Diced into small cubes for a bit of crunch and color.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds pops of sweetness and a lovely green hue.
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient that ties everything together.
- 2 green onions: Sliced thinly for garnish and a mild onion flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
If you’re in the mood for a creamy, indulgent seafood pasta after this, check out the Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Mac for your next cooking adventure.
Gear Up: What to Grab
You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make this dish, but having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother:
- Large skillet or wok: A non-stick skillet or wok works best for frying and sautéing all the ingredients evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring without scratching your cookware.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for prepping your garlic, veggies, and shrimp.
- Measuring spoons: For precise amounts of oil and sweet chili sauce.
- Bowl: To hold your peeled and deveined shrimp before cooking.
If you love dishes that combine chicken and fried rice, don’t miss the tangy and flavorful Sticky Orange Chicken Thighs With Fried Rice.
Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice in Steps
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before starting to cook, make sure all your ingredients are chopped, diced, and ready to go. Peel and devein the shrimp if you haven’t already, mince the garlic, chop the onion, dice the bell pepper and carrots, and slice the green onions. Having everything prepped will make cooking much faster.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. This prevents overcooking and keeps them juicy.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add the diced bell pepper and carrots, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring the rice is heated through and coated with the veggie and garlic flavors.
Step 5: Add the Sweet Chili Sauce and Shrimp
Pour in the sweet chili sauce and stir well to evenly distribute it throughout the rice. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything to combine. Cook for a minute or two to let the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Taste your fried rice and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh and mild onion kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tailor It to Your Diet
Whether you’re looking to make this dish lighter, add more veggies, or adjust flavors, here are some easy ways to customize your Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice:
- Make it low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a grain-free option.
- Boost the veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas for extra texture and nutrients.
- Increase the protein: Toss in scrambled eggs or extra shrimp if you want a heartier meal.
- Adjust heat level: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for more spice.
- Make it gluten-free: Ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free, or substitute with a homemade version.
Learn from These Mistakes
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Using freshly cooked rice: Fresh rice tends to be too soft and sticky for fried rice. Using day-old rice or rice that has been cooled helps achieve the perfect texture.
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Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too much at once can steam the ingredients rather than fry them, resulting in soggy rice and veggies.
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Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so removing it from the pan early prevents toughness and dryness.
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Skipping garlic: Garlic is essential to the dish’s flavor profile—don’t skimp on it or use pre-minced garlic for the best taste.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem! This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice stores wonderfully and tastes just as good the next day.
- Let the fried rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or oil if it seems dry.
- Do not freeze the dish, as shrimp texture may degrade upon thawing.
Questions People Ask
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp works beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to peel and devein them before cooking. If frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best because they have a drier texture when cooked, making them ideal for frying. Using day-old rice helps prevent clumping and mushiness.
Is sweet chili sauce spicy?
Sweet chili sauce is mildly spicy with a sweet, tangy flavor. If you prefer less heat, use a smaller amount or choose a milder brand. You can also add more chili flakes if you want extra kick.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein. You can also use a vegetarian-friendly chili sauce to keep all the flavors intact.
Cook This Next
- Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls – For a crunchy, savory seafood rice dish.
- Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Mac – If you’re craving creamy pasta with a smoky twist.
- Sticky Orange Chicken Thighs With Fried Rice – A tangy chicken and rice combo that’s packed with flavor.
Bring It Home
This Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice is the perfect meal when you want something quick, tasty, and a little bit special. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy shrimp with a deliciously balanced sauce and plenty of fresh vegetables, all in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe promises a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will love. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the easiest and most flavorful fried rice recipes around.
Ready to dive into the magic of sweet chili and garlic with shrimp? This recipe turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
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Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep your ingredients by peeling and deveining the shrimp, mincing the garlic, chopping the onion, dicing the bell pepper and carrots, and slicing the green onions.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add diced bell pepper and carrots, cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in frozen peas and cook 1 more minute.
- Add cooked rice to the skillet, break up clumps and stir to combine and heat through.
- Pour in sweet chili sauce and stir well to coat the rice evenly. Return shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for the best texture; fresh rice can be too soft and sticky.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming ingredients and soggy rice.
- Remove shrimp from heat early to prevent toughness and dryness.
- For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
