One bite of these juicy shrimp and you get garlicky butter, smoky seasoning, and just the right kick of chili. This quick shrimp recipe works beautifully for an easy seafood dinner, coming together in just 20 minutes with bold, punchy flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big flavor, minimal effort. Garlic, chili, and smoky seasoning make this dish anything but boring.
- Ready in 20 minutes. A fast dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Adjustable heat level. Dried chilies and red pepper flakes let you control just how spicy it gets.
- Versatile serving options. Great over rice, noodles, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 to 10 dried red chilies
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Spicy Garlic Chili Shrimp Skillet
1. Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sear until golden. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1½ to 2 minutes per side until golden and lightly charred. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
3. Build the garlic chili butter. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and dried red chilies. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the heat. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, if using, and dried oregano. Cook briefly so the seasonings blend into the garlic butter.
5. Toss the shrimp. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is coated in the spicy garlic chili butter.
6. Finish with lemon. Add the fresh lemon juice and cook for another minute, tossing gently until the shrimp are hot and glossy.
7. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle the spicy garlic shrimp with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Pair with rice, noodles, or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Spicy Garlic Chili Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp in the initial sear. A minute and a half to two minutes per side is enough; they’ll warm through again when tossed in the sauce.
- Watch the garlic closely. It can burn quickly in hot butter, so keep an eye on it during that step.
- Adjust the chili and pepper flakes to taste. Use fewer dried chilies for a milder dish, or add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Toss gently but thoroughly. This ensures every piece of shrimp gets coated in that spicy garlic butter.
What to Serve with Spicy Garlic Chili Shrimp
This dish is versatile enough to serve over steamed rice, tossed with noodles, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chilies instead of dried?
Yes, sliced fresh chilies like Thai chilies or red serranos can be used in place of dried, adjusting the amount to your heat preference.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat very dry before cooking so they sear properly instead of releasing excess water.
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit the dried chilies and red pepper flakes for a milder version while keeping the garlic butter flavor.
Spicy Garlic Chili Shrimp Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side until golden and lightly charred. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and dried red chilies. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, if using, and dried oregano. Cook briefly so the seasonings blend into the garlic butter.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is coated in the spicy garlic chili butter.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and cook for another minute, tossing gently until the shrimp are hot and glossy.
- Sprinkle the spicy garlic shrimp with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Pair with rice, noodles, or crusty bread for a quick and flavorful seafood dinner.
