Sizzle and Spice: An Easy Garlic Shrimp with Chili Paste Recipe for Weeknight Wins
Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to throw together, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Garlic Shrimp with Chili Paste recipe! This dish is a symphony of simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony, offering a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and citrusy notes.
Here’s what you’ll need for Garlic Shrimp with Chili Paste:
- Large shrimp, deveined and cleaned: We want our shrimp plump and succulent!
- Lime: The zest and juice add a refreshing brightness to the dish.
- Seafood seasoning: This blend of spices infuses the shrimp with depth of flavor.
- Olive oil: For searing the shrimp and adding richness.
- Garlic cloves, finely chopped: The secret to aromatic goodness!
- Scallion, finely chopped: Adds a touch of green onion flavor.
- Lemon juice: Another burst of citrus to balance the spice.
- Crushed black peppercorn: For a touch of heat and depth.
- Chili paste: Choose your spice level – from mild to fiery!

Ready to cook? Here’s how it goes:
- Season the shrimp: Toss the deveined shrimp with seafood seasoning and lime zest. Let them marinate while you prep the other ingredients.
- Sizzle the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan and sear the shrimp until golden brown on both sides. Don’t crowd the pan – cook them in batches if needed.
- Aromatic base: Once the shrimp are removed, add the garlic and scallion to the pan, letting them cook for a minute or two until fragrant.
- Citrusy comeback: Return the shrimp to the pan, along with the lemon juice and crushed black peppercorn.
- Spice it up: Now’s the time for the star of the show – the chili paste! Add it according to your desired heat level and stir well to coat the shrimp.
- Serve and savor: Plate your shrimp and enjoy the delicious mix of flavors. This dish pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even a simple salad.
Tips and tricks for the Garlic Shrimp with Chili Paste:
- For an extra flavor boost, marinate the shrimp with a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce along with the seafood seasoning or NouBess Fish and Seafood Seasoning.
- Experiment with different types of chili paste – Sriracha, sambal oelek, or gochujang all work well.
- If you don’t have seafood seasoning, you can create your own with a blend of paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Perfect Pairings for The Garlic Shrimp with Chili Paste:
Now, let’s elevate this dish to a full meal experience with some delicious pairings!
Grains:
- Classic white rice: Absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Coconut rice: Adds a touch of sweetness and tropical flair.
- Noodles: Ramen, udon, or your favorite Asian-inspired noodles work well.
- Cauliflower rice: A low-carb alternative that still soaks up the sauce.
Veggies:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans: Add a healthy dose of greens.
- Sauteed asparagus or zucchini: For a slightly richer side.
- Stir-fried mixed vegetables: Offer a variety of textures and flavors.
- Simple side salad: Adds freshness and crunch.
Other sides:
- Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up the extra sauce.
- Edamame: A light and protein-packed option.
- Crispy spring rolls: For a more appetizer-style meal.
- Kimchi: Adds a spicy and tangy counterpoint.
Drinks:
- Cold beer: Light and refreshing, perfect for cutting through the spice.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and acidic, complements the citrusy notes.
- Fruity cocktail: A fun and festive option.
- Iced tea: Simple and refreshing.
No matter what you choose to pair it with, this Garlic Shrimp with Chili Paste recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. So grab your ingredients, experiment with different pairings, and enjoy the delicious flavors!

Garlic Shrimp with Chili Paste
Ingredients
- 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp cleaned and deveined
- 1 Lime
- 1 tbsp Seafood Seasoning
- 1 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 Garlic Cloves finely chopped
- 1 Scallion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/4 tsp Crushed Black Peppercorn
- 1 tbsp Chili Paste
Instructions
- Deveined each shrimp and clean limes wedges. Rinse with cold water, pat dry and place in large bowl. Add seafood seasoning and mix well. Set aside
- In a nonstick frying pan, heat oil and add shrimps. Sear on both sides. Make sure they get a little color. Remove and lace on a plate. Add garlic and scallion and let fry for about 1 – 2 minutes while stirring. Add shrimps back to pan with lemon juice and let cook for 3 – 4 minutes. Add crushed black peppercorn and chili paste. Keep stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated and shrimps are fully cook. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.






