Spicy Sriracha Shrimp

Spicy Sriracha Shrimp is a bold, flavorful, and quick-to-make seafood dish that packs a punch! Plump, tender shrimp are coated in a garlicky, tangy, and slightly sweet Sriracha sauce, then sautéed to perfection. The combination of heat, umami, and a touch of sweetness makes this shrimp recipe irresistible.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a party appetizer, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s an explosion of flavors that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, making it a versatile and exciting recipe for seafood lovers.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Spicy Sriracha Shrimp recipe because it’s fast, fiery, and full of flavor. The shrimp cook in minutes while the sauce develops a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. It’s bold yet not overwhelming, and the garlicky Sriracha glaze clings beautifully to each shrimp.

It’s a go-to recipe when I want something satisfying and exciting without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma of garlic and Sriracha sizzling in the pan is mouthwatering and will make anyone’s mouth water before the first bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Bold flavor: Spicy, garlicky, and slightly sweet for a balanced taste.
• Versatile: Perfect over rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer.
• Minimal prep: Only a few simple ingredients are required.
• Crowd-pleaser: Works well for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings.

Once you try it, you’ll see why spicy Sriracha shrimp is a modern favorite for flavor-packed, healthy meals.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired / Seafood
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 15–20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~250 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Sriracha Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Sriracha, honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, and lime juice.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

1. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet.
2. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

1. Pour the prepared Sriracha sauce over the cooked shrimp.
2. Toss shrimp to coat evenly and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer shrimp to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
3. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve over:
  • Steamed rice or jasmine rice
  • Noodles (rice noodles, lo mein, or soba)
  • Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Pair with:
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables
  • Fresh cucumber salad or Asian slaw
  • Lime wedges for extra tang

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
• Adjust heat: Modify Sriracha and red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
• Dry shrimp: Patting shrimp dry ensures better searing and sauce adherence.
• Make ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time to save a few minutes.
• Serve immediately: Shrimp are best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Variations

• Extra Spicy Sriracha Shrimp: Add more Sriracha and red pepper flakes.
• Coconut Sriracha Shrimp: Add 2 tablespoons coconut milk for a creamy, slightly sweet variation.
• Sriracha Shrimp Salad: Serve over a bed of greens with avocado and cucumber for a refreshing twist.
• Sriracha Shrimp Pasta: Toss with spaghetti or rice noodles for a full meal.
• Peanut Sriracha Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty Asian flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing:
  • Shrimp are best cooked fresh, but you can freeze raw peeled and deveined shrimp for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Avoid freezing cooked shrimp in sauce as the texture may become rubbery upon reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula or tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• Small bowl for sauce
• Measuring spoons

Conclusion

Spicy Sriracha Shrimp is a bold, quick, and flavorful dish that delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and garlic-rich umami. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or entertaining guests.

This versatile recipe can be served over rice, noodles, or fresh greens, and easily customized to suit your preferred spice level. Once you try it, Spicy Sriracha Shrimp will become a staple in your repertoire for fast, delicious, and satisfying meals.