Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, you probably know their sweet chili shrimp-it’s crispy, golden fried shrimp tossed in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you forget about the main course because you can’t stop reaching for just one more piece. The good news? You don’t have to wait for a restaurant visit to enjoy it.

This Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home. With a handful of pantry spices, some plump shrimp, and a simple honey sweet chili sauce, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. It’s quick, fun, and super rewarding.

And if you’re like me and love trying out other bold, hearty dishes, you might also enjoy my takes on the Marlboro Chili Recipe and the Milwaukee Real Chili Recipe. But for now, let’s dive into this crispy shrimp recipe that’s all about flavor, crunch, and that irresistible sweet-heat combo.

What Does Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp Taste Like?

This dish is all about contrast. The shrimp come out of the fryer light and crunchy, seasoned with Cajun spices that give each bite a savory kick. The breading locks in the juiciness of the shrimp, so when you bite down, it’s both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

The sauce is the real star. It’s buttery, slightly garlicky, with a sweet chili heat that’s just enough to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. The honey smooths everything out, while soy sauce adds depth and balance.

Together, it’s addictive. You get sweet, spicy, salty, and savory flavors all layered in one bite. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that never makes it to leftovers—it’s just too good to stop eating.

Ingredients Required for Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (butterflied)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup seafood breading mix (optional, can use more flour instead)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (Slap Ya Mama recommended)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (Kerrygold if you have it)
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• Pinch of Cajun seasoning
• Dried parsley for garnish

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

1. Mixing bowls
2. Whisk
3. Plastic wrap
4. Deep skillet or Dutch oven
5. Tongs
6. Paper towels
7. Serving platter

Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes

How to Make Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp at home

Step 1: Marinate the shrimp
In a bowl, combine shrimp and olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and Cajun seasoning. In another bowl, break the eggs, mix and pour over shrimp. Combine thoroughly, cover with plastic wrap and let it sit in the cold and marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Set up the dredging station
In a shallow bowl, combine seafood breading mix and remaining seasoning with the flour. Drain marinade from shrimp and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mix and place on tray.

Step 3: Chill before frying
Cover dredged shrimp with plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. It helps the coating stick better and turn out extra crispy.

Step 4: Fry the shrimp
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in small batches so the shrimp do not crowd one another. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes each side. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the sweet chili sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add honey, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Stir until it is smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Turn and serve
Arrange fried shrimp in a large bowl, and pour sauce over shrimp. Stir shrimp until shrimp are coated evenly. Season with dried parsley and serve immediately.

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp

1. Over Jasmine Rice
One of our go-to pairings is spooning the shrimp and sauce over a warm bowl of jasmine rice. The fluffy rice soaks up that sweet chili glaze beautifully, making it a full meal instead of just an appetizer.

2. With Garlic Noodles
We’ve tried this dish with garlicky butter noodles, and wow-it’s next level. The sauce clings to the noodles, and the shrimp adds a nice protein punch. It feels like a restaurant-style fusion meal.

3. As a Slider Filling
These shrimp tucked into little brioche buns with a dab of mayo and crunchy slaw? Absolute heaven. They make the perfect party sliders-trust us, they disappear fast.

4. Tossed on a Salad
When we want something lighter, we’ll toss the shrimp over a bed of mixed greens with cucumbers and shredded carrots. The sweet chili sauce doubles as a built-in dressing.

5. With Jalapeno Chili Sauce
Sometimes, we like to kick up the heat by drizzling a little Jalapeno Chili Sauce over the shrimp before serving. It balances the sweetness with just the right amount of fiery kick.

6. In Tacos
We’ve stuffed these shrimp into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime. It’s messy, it’s crunchy, it’s tangy-it’s basically shrimp taco perfection.

7. Paired with Fried Rice
Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp and homemade fried rice is a combo we come back to often. The savory rice balances out the sweet glaze, making it one of the most satisfying meals we’ve had at home.

8. As a Party Appetizer
Whenever we serve these at gatherings, we just pile them on a platter with toothpicks. People keep coming back for more-it’s hands-down one of the most popular finger foods we’ve ever made.

9. Over Mashed Potatoes
This one may sound unusual, but creamy mashed potatoes with the shrimp and sauce spooned on top? Trust us, it’s comfort food at its finest.

10. With Stir-Fried Veggies
We love pairing the shrimp with a quick stir-fry of bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli. The sauce coats the veggies and turns the whole dish into a balanced, colorful plate.

Some Tips on This Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe

1. Wash the shrimp well.
Always rinse your shrimp before cooking. It makes them taste fresher.

2. Dry the shrimp.
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps the flour stick better.

3. Crack eggs in a bowl first.
Don’t crack eggs straight into your mix. My grandma taught me this-check the egg first so you don’t ruin the batter.

4. Don’t skip the marinade.
Let the shrimp sit in the seasonings for at least 30 minutes. It makes the flavor pop.

5. Use fresh oil.
Hot, clean oil makes shrimp crispy. Old oil makes it greasy.

6. Don’t crowd the pan.
Fry a few shrimp at a time. If you add too many, the oil cools down and the shrimp get soggy.

7. Toss in sauce right away.
When the shrimp are hot, coat them in the sweet chili sauce. They soak it up better.

8. Try butter for extra flavor.
A little butter mixed with the sauce makes it rich and restaurant-like.

9. Garnish with parsley.
A sprinkle of parsley on top makes it look fancy and fresh.

10. Eat them fast!
Shrimp taste best when they’re hot and crunchy. Don’t wait too long to dig in.

How to Store and Reheat Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place shrimp on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.

Common Queries on This Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp that people often ask.

1. How long do the endless shrimp last at Red Lobster?

From what we’ve seen, the endless shrimp promotion usually runs for a limited time each year. It often lasts a couple of months, but it depends on the location. At home though, this recipe lets us enjoy shrimp whenever we want-no time limit attached.

2. What went wrong with endless shrimp at Red Lobster?

We remember when the endless shrimp deal created buzz because people were eating way more than expected. It ended up being tough on the restaurant financially. That said, we love recreating these shrimp at home, so we don’t have to worry about promotions ending.

3. What size shrimp does Red Lobster use?

In our experience, Red Lobster typically uses medium-to-large shrimp for their sweet chili version. When we make it at home, we go for jumbo or large shrimp because the flavor and crunch really stand out.

4. How do endless shrimp work at Red Lobster?

Basically, you order one style of shrimp, then once you finish, you can order another. It’s like a revolving door of shrimp dishes. We’ve tried it, and it’s fun—but making this recipe at home means you control the portions and flavors.

5. Can I make Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp without frying?

Yes! We’ve baked the shrimp in the oven or even air-fried them, and they still come out crispy. You just need to adjust the cooking time so they don’t dry out.

6. What makes the sweet chili sauce so good?

It’s that perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and a little spicy. We add honey, chili sauce, and a touch of soy for balance. Sometimes, we’ll even dip shrimp in sauces like Arbys Bronco Berry Sauce Recipe for a fun twist.

7. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely. We often start with frozen shrimp-just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry before seasoning and breading. That keeps the coating crisp.

8. Do I need Cajun seasoning for the breading?

We highly recommend it. We’ve tested with plain seasoning before, but the Cajun spices really give the shrimp that restaurant-style punch. Slap Ya Mama seasoning is one of our go-to choices.

9. What’s the best oil for frying these shrimp?

We’ve had the best results with peanut oil or canola oil because they can handle high heat without breaking down. Olive oil can work, but it doesn’t give quite the same crisp.

10. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! We’ve prepped the sauce a day in advance, kept it in the fridge, and just reheated it before tossing the shrimp. It saves time and still tastes amazing.

And there you have it-the Red Lobster Sweet Chili Shrimp Recipe made simple for home cooking. Crispy, spicy, and sweet, this dish is sure to impress at dinner parties or even as a weekend treat. Once you try it, you’ll realize just how easy it is to bring restaurant flavors into your own kitchen. Go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to serve it hot-it’s best when enjoyed right away!

Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.