Get ready to dive into a vibrant dish bursting with flavor! Our Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp recipe combines the sweetness of juicy pineapple with the delightful spiciness of sweet chili sauce. This dish is not only creamy without any cream but also light and refreshing, making it perfect for any season. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss. Picture succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked and coated in that sticky, sweet sauce, with pops of pineapple adding a joyful crunch. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing!
Why You’ll Love Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This dish is a true treat that checks all the boxes: it’s creamy, yet light; sweet, yet savory; and so easy to whip up! The delightful mix of shrimp and pineapple with a zesty sauce brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. And the best part? It’s super quick to make, so you can serve it up in no time.
Here are just a few reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Speedy Prep: Ready in 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights!
- Delicious Texture: Juicy shrimp and crunchy pineapple pair beautifully.
- Pantry-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for quick lunches throughout the week.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness or spice level to your taste.
- Dietary Notes: Naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free.
Ingredients for Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp
- Shrimp – The star of the show; sweet, tender, and packed with protein.
- Pineapple – Adds a bright burst of sweetness and a tropical flair.
- Sweet Chili Sauce – Brings things together with a sticky, sweet kick.
- Soy Sauce – Adds depth and umami; you can use a low-sodium version.
- Lime Juice – Brightens everything up with a tangy punch.
- Garlic – For that aromatic flavor that makes everything better.
- Olive Oil – Keeps things from sticking and adds a light richness.
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds – Perfect for garnishing and adding extra flavor.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp
Phase 1 – Prep
- Peel and devein the shrimp, patting them dry with a paper towel.
- Dice the fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic and chop the green onions for garnish.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss the shrimp in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink.
- Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice, stirring well.
- Toss in the pineapple and stir until everything is heated through.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Once everything’s cooked and coated in that delicious sauce, remove it from heat.
- Spoon it into bowls, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the lovely mix of flavors!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Quick Thaw: If using frozen shrimp, place them in cold water for quick thawing instead of the microwave!
- Flavor Boost: For extra spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you stir in the sauce.
- Storage Saver: Make a double batch and keep the leftovers in an airtight container for easy lunches!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking shrimp too long can lead to a chewy texture. Usually, shrimp cook in just a few minutes; keep an eye on them as they turn pink. Overlooking the freshness of your ingredients might lead to a less vibrant dish—use fresh pineapple for that sweet and tangy flavor boost. Finally, skimping on the sauce might mean missing out on that glorious flavor; make sure you coat everything well!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos instead.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free!
- Spicy: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce for an extra kick!
- Herbal: Toss in chopped fresh basil or cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Cooking Method: Try making it in an air fryer for a crispy texture!
How to Serve Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp
- Best Pairings: Serve over jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Toppings & Garnishes: Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can elevate the presentation.
- Drink Pairings: Pair it with a refreshing iced tea or coconut water for a tropical vibe.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! This shrimp dish is meal prep friendly and easy to reheat for tasty lunches.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for about a month, but the shrimp may become a bit softer once thawed.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also warm it on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
You can add a dollop of coconut milk for a creamy texture without using dairy.
Can I double it?
Yes, just use a larger pan and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How to fix a too-thick sauce?
If your sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Experience the flavors of this Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp—a dish that’s not just quick to prepare but also a total crowd-pleaser! Give it a try and let us know your thoughts, or check out our related recipes for more delicious options!
Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined Frozen shrimp can be used; thaw before cooking.
- 1 cup Fresh pineapple, diced Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup Sweet chili sauce Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce Low-sodium version can be used.
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice Freshly squeezed for enhanced flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced For aromatic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For cooking.
- 2 tablespoons Green onions, chopped For garnish.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel and devein the shrimp, patting them dry with a paper towel.
- Dice the fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic and chop the green onions for garnish.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss the shrimp in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink.
- Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice, stirring well.
- Toss in the pineapple and stir until everything is heated through.
Serving
- Once everything’s cooked and coated in the delicious sauce, remove it from heat.
- Spoon it into bowls, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the lovely mix of flavors!