There’s something undeniably enticing about the combination of shrimp sautéed in a fiery chili garlic sauce, topped with a bright splash of lime. This Skillet Chili Garlic and Lime Shrimp is a quick and delicious dish that brings together the sweetness of shrimp with the zesty kick of lime and the umami depth of soy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation.
Whether you serve it over rice, toss it into a salad, or pile it into tacos, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of making this mouthwatering dish!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe

- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, chili sauce, and lime creates a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, in a salad, or as a taco filling for various meal options.
- Healthy & Light: Shrimp is a lean protein, making this dish a healthy choice for any meal.
What to Buy
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 Tbsp lower sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Skillet: A large skillet or frying pan works best for evenly cooking the shrimp.
- Spatula or Tongs: Useful for flipping and tossing the shrimp while cooking.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring the sauces and spices used in the recipe.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping garlic, ginger, and green onions.
Skillet Chili Garlic and Lime Shrimp: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if you haven’t done so already. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the green onions. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up for about a minute until it shimmers.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over.
Step 5: Add the Sauces
Once the shrimp are nearly cooked through, pour in the sweet chili sauce, lower sodium soy sauce, lime juice, and honey. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly in the sauce.
Step 6: Final Touches
Let the shrimp cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the shrimp with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with your choice of rice, salad, or tortillas.
Holiday & Seasonal Touches

- Summer: Serve it as a fresh topping over a chilled salad or on skewers for a barbecue.
- Fall: Pair it with roasted vegetables for a hearty autumn meal.
- Winter: Add it to a warm bowl of quinoa or rice to brighten up cold days.
- Spring: Use as a filling for tacos topped with avocado and fresh cilantro.
Method to the Madness
This Skillet Chili Garlic and Lime Shrimp is simple yet flavorful. The key to achieving the best results lies in the cooking process. Start with high heat and ensure the shrimp are perfectly cooked without being overdone. The combination of sweet chili sauce and lime juice creates a luscious glaze that coats the shrimp beautifully. Serve it hot and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!
How to Store & Reheat
Leftover Skillet Chili Garlic and Lime Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overcooking.
Quick Q&A
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely.
What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick substitute using ketchup mixed with a bit of honey and sriracha for sweetness and heat.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli would work wonderfully. Just sauté them along with the garlic and ginger for added flavor and nutrition.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, such as tamari.
Weekend Projects
- Garlic Butter Shrimp – A rich and savory shrimp dish that’s perfect for a special occasion.
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos – Transform your shrimp into delicious tacos with fresh toppings.
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta – Indulge in a comforting pasta dish with succulent shrimp.
- Shrimp Fried Rice – A quick and easy fried rice recipe packed with flavor.
Make It Tonight
There’s no better time than now to whip up this delightful Skillet Chili Garlic and Lime Shrimp. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a dish that is bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that is as simple as it is satisfying!
The next time you’re in need of a quick and tasty dinner option, remember this Skillet Chili Garlic and Lime Shrimp. It’s a dish that’s full of flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!

Skillet Chili Garlic and Lime Shrimp
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 Tbsp lower sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Start by gathering all the ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if you haven't done so already. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the green onions. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up for about a minute until it shimmers.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over.
- Once the shrimp are nearly cooked through, pour in the sweet chili sauce, lower sodium soy sauce, lime juice, and honey. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly in the sauce.
- Let the shrimp cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the shrimp with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with your choice of rice, salad, or tortillas.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition.
