Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp (Thailand) is a bold and savory seafood dish that brings together the rich umami of garlic butter with the fiery zest of Thai chili peppers.
This dish is quick to prepare but packed with deep, layered flavors. Inspired by Thai street food, it combines succulent shrimp with spicy aromatics, lime, fish sauce, and fresh herbs to create a sizzling plate that can be served with jasmine rice, noodles, or fresh greens.
Whether as a main course or an appetizer, it’s a perfect fusion of comfort and exotic flair.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to heat tolerance)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Zest of 1 lime
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro leaves (chopped)
- Lime wedges
- Steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles
Serves
2–3 people (as a main), 4–6 (as an appetizer)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season them lightly with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Let them rest for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce ingredients.
2. Make the Sauce Base
- In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Set aside.
3. Cook the Garlic and Chili
- In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chilies.
- Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden—do not burn the garlic.
4. Add the Shrimp
- Increase the heat to medium-high.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and toss in the garlic-chili butter.
- Stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until the shrimp start to turn pink.
5. Add the Sauce and Finish
- Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp.
- Toss everything to coat evenly and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the shrimp.
- Add lime zest and optional sesame oil at the end, stirring to combine.
6. Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles and lime wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly.
- Rice Vermicelli Noodles – Light and delicate, ideal for soaking up the butter sauce.
- Thai Cucumber Salad – Provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the heat.
- Grilled Pineapple or Mango Salad – Sweetness balances the chili heat.
- Thai Iced Tea or Lemongrass Cooler – Refreshing beverages that complement the spice.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh shrimp give better texture and flavor; frozen works in a pinch if thawed properly.
- Don’t Overcook – Shrimp cook quickly; 5–6 minutes total is enough.
- Control the Heat – Start with one chili and increase for more spice.
- Prep Ahead – Have all ingredients ready, as the cooking process is fast.
- Use a Hot Pan – Helps in quick searing without overcooking.
Healthier Alternatives
- Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter – Cuts saturated fat while retaining flavor.
- Skip the Oyster Sauce – Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter taste.
- Serve with Brown Rice or Quinoa – Adds fiber and nutrients.
- Add More Vegetables – Sauté with bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach.
- Grill Instead of Sauté – Grill shrimp and drizzle with a light garlic chili dressing.
Creative Variations
- Coconut Cream Twist – Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical version.
- Lemongrass Infusion – Add bruised lemongrass stalks to the oil for a citrusy aroma.
- Thai Basil Shrimp – Toss in fresh Thai basil for a herbaceous note.
- Shrimp Lettuce Wraps – Serve in crispy lettuce cups with peanuts and cucumber.
- Fusion Taco Style – Serve over corn tortillas with pickled onions and cabbage slaw.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Shrimp – Results in rubbery texture; watch closely.
- Burning Garlic – Adds bitterness; cook gently and avoid high heat early.
- Adding Sauce Too Early – Wait until shrimp are half-cooked so the sauce thickens properly.
- Using Unshelled Shrimp Without Deveining – Can make the dish gritty or unpleasant.
- Skipping Acid – Lime juice and zest balance richness; don’t leave it out.
History of Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp (Thailand)
Thai cuisine is renowned for its harmony of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. While shrimp is a staple in many Thai dishes due to the country’s extensive coastline, garlic butter shrimp in its modern form is a flavorful hybrid. It draws influence from traditional Thai stir-fries like Pad Cha and Pad Kee Mao, which use garlic, chilies, and fish sauce as foundational flavors.
The buttery component is more Western in origin, possibly introduced through French culinary influence in Southeast Asia during the colonial period. Thai cooks, known for their adaptability, embraced butter to enhance richness while maintaining the spicy, aromatic base typical of their cuisine. Over time, this evolved into a popular dish often found in fusion restaurants, street food stalls, and even home kitchens across Thailand.
Today, Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is enjoyed both in Thailand and worldwide. It blends street food authenticity with modern comfort, embodying the Thai culinary philosophy of balance and freshness. The use of bold chilies, citrus, and herbs ensures the dish remains unmistakably Thai despite the Western butter element.
FAQs about Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp (Thailand)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw completely in the fridge and pat dry before cooking.
2. What shrimp size works best?
Medium to large shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count per pound) are ideal for even cooking.
3. Is this dish very spicy?
It can be. Adjust the chili amount to suit your taste.
4. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Not recommended. Raw shrimp develop better flavor and texture in the sauce.
5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your fish sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free certified.
6. What can I use instead of fish sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari is a substitute, though fish sauce gives it authentic depth.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh. You can prep ingredients in advance, but cook just before eating.
8. What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Bok choy, bell peppers, snow peas, or shredded carrots work well.
9. Can I substitute another protein?
Yes, scallops, squid, or chicken strips can work with similar seasoning.
10. How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 2 days in an airtight container, though it’s best fresh for texture.
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp (Thailand) is a dish that dazzles with its bold contrasts—rich and savory, spicy and citrusy, tender yet seared. It’s a flavorful journey to the Thai street food stalls, where every bite is an adventure in taste. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and deeply satisfying, this dish makes an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, date nights, or even special gatherings. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a repeat favorite for anyone who loves the marriage of spice, garlic, and buttery decadence.