Garlic Chili Shrimp Recipe – Quick Indian-Style Prawns

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Garlic Chili Shrimp Recipe – Quick Indian-Style Prawns

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Garlic Chili Shrimp recipe is exactly that. I first made this when I was craving something spicy and satisfying, and it’s been a weeknight staple ever since. It’s a little bit Indian-inspired, a little bit Italian-inspired, and 100% delicious! Let’s get cooking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It comes together in under 20 minutes – seriously! The combination of garlic, chili, and a touch of lemon is just chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course with rice, or as a tasty appetizer for your next get-together. It’s easy enough for beginner cooks, but flavorful enough to impress even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Garlic Chili Shrimp:

• 300 gms shrimps, peeled and deveined with tails intact
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chilli flakes
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can really elevate this dish.

• Red Chili Flakes: Don’t be shy with these if you like a good kick! They’re what give this shrimp that lovely warmth. You can adjust the amount to your preference (more on that later in the FAQs!).
• Italian Seasoning: This might seem a little unexpected in an Indian-inspired dish, but trust me – it works! It adds a lovely herbaceous note that complements the garlic and chili beautifully.
• Fresh Parsley: Please, please use fresh parsley! It adds a brightness and freshness that dried parsley just can’t match. A generous sprinkle at the end really makes the dish pop.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First things first, let’s prep the shrimp. Give them a good wash, peel and devein them, but leave those tails on – they look so pretty!
2. Now, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp and season with a pinch of salt. Sauté them briefly, just until they start to turn pink. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery!
3. Add the garlic paste and stir it through, letting the aroma fill your kitchen. This is the good stuff!
4. Next, sprinkle in the red chili flakes, lemon juice, and butter. Stir everything together until the butter is melted and the shrimp are nicely coated.
5. Finally, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and half of the chopped parsley. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining parsley. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years that will help you make the best Garlic Chili Shrimp:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in steamed, rather than sautéed, shrimp.
• Keep a close eye on the shrimp: They cook quickly! You want them pink and opaque, but still tender.
• Fresh is best: Seriously, use fresh garlic paste and parsley for the best flavor.

Variations

This recipe is super adaptable. Here are a few ideas to spice things up (pun intended!):

• Spice Level:
  • Mild: Reduce the red chili flakes to ½ tsp or omit them altogether.
  • Medium: Stick to the 1 tsp of red chili flakes.
  • Hot: Add an extra ½ tsp of red chili flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chili for extra heat!
• Quick Weeknight Meal: Serve with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Seafood Appetizer: Serve the shrimp with toothpicks for easy snacking at your next party. My family always requests this one!

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Chili Shrimp is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:

• Steamed rice (Basmati is my go-to!)
• Quinoa
• Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce
• A simple green salad

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Unlikely! But if you do have any, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Keep in mind the shrimp may become slightly tougher upon reheating.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this recipe suitable for shrimp of different sizes? Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Smaller shrimp will cook faster, while larger shrimp will need a bit longer.
• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
• What can I serve with Garlic Chili Shrimp? Steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread are all great options. A simple salad also complements the dish nicely.
• Can I adjust the amount of red chili flakes? Definitely! Feel free to adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• How can I make this dish less oily? You can reduce the amount of oil used, or use a non-stick skillet. You can also blot the shrimp with a paper towel after cooking to remove any excess oil.

Enjoy making this recipe! I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Let me know in the comments how it turns out!