When it comes to quick, delicious, and satisfying meals, few dishes can compete with Teriyaki Shrimp. This simple recipe combines the delightful sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the tender, succulent texture of shrimp, creating a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. You’ll not only impress your loved ones but also treat your taste buds to an unforgettable experience. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about making Teriyaki Shrimp, including its ingredients, cooking directions, serving suggestions, and expert tips.
Why We Love This Teriyaki Shrimp Recipe
The appeal of Teriyaki Shrimp lies not just in its flavor but also in its versatility and ease of preparation. You’ll find that this dish is incredibly forgiving and easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you choose to serve it over rice, toss in your favorite vegetables, or simply enjoy it on its own, the possibilities are endless. Plus, the balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in the teriyaki sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that few can resist. Our Teriyaki Shrimp recipe captures these qualities perfectly, making it a top choice for any occasion.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Shrimp
Creating a delicious Teriyaki Shrimp dish requires some simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to gather:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 green onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
These ingredients come together to create a delightful flavor profile that perfectly complements the shrimp, ensuring each bite is filled with deliciousness.
How to Make Teriyaki Shrimp
Making Teriyaki Shrimp is a straightforward process that you can complete in just a few simple steps. Follow these directions to create a mouthwatering dish that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds.
- Prep the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, diced green onion, and toasted sesame seeds. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely pink color. The shrimp should be opaque and firm to the touch.
- Make the Sauce: After cooking the shrimp, carefully remove them from the pan and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in your prepared teriyaki sauce and bring it to a boil over high heat. As the sauce heats up, it will start to bubble and release an amazing aroma.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tablespoon of water and cornstarch until you have a smooth mixture. Add this mixture to the boiling teriyaki sauce and stir continuously. After just about 1-2 minutes, the sauce will begin to thicken beautifully.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Allow it to simmer for a minute so the shrimp can absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Plate the Dish: Serve your Teriyaki Shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Making Teriyaki Shrimp is not only quick, but it’s also an enjoyable process that rewards you with a delightful dining experience.
How to Serve Teriyaki Shrimp
When it comes to serving Teriyaki Shrimp, the options are deliciously varied. You have a few choices that can enhance the meal even further:
- Over Rice: One of the most popular ways to enjoy Teriyaki Shrimp is to serve it over a steaming bowl of rice. The fluffy grains soak up the excess sauce, creating a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
- With Vegetables: You can easily transform your dish into a complete meal by adding various vegetables. Steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas all pair wonderfully with the sweet and savory shrimp.
- As a Salad: For a lighter option, consider making a salad. Toss the shrimp with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette, allowing the vibrant flavors to shine through.
- In a Wrap or Lettuce Cups: Get creative by serving the Teriyaki Shrimp in a wrap or in lettuce cups. This fun and portable option is perfect for gatherings or casual dining.
No matter how you decide to serve this dish, you can count on it to impress and satisfy your guests.
Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Teriyaki Shrimp
To ensure that your Teriyaki Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips:
- Quality Shrimp: Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your taste preferences, you may want to adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, simply reduce the amounts.
- Corral the Sauce: Creating a smooth and thick sauce is key to this dish. Whisking the cornstarch thoroughly with water before adding it to the sauce is essential to prevent lumps from forming.
- Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add other ingredients, such as red pepper flakes for heat or sliced mushrooms for an earthy taste. Teriyaki sauce is versatile, and a little experimentation can lead to unique and delightful variations.
- Garnish for Style: A simple garnish of chopped green onion or extra sesame seeds can elevate the presentation of your dish, making it look as good as it tastes.
By incorporating these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master in preparing Teriyaki Shrimp.
How to Store Teriyaki Shrimp
After you’ve enjoyed the deliciousness of Teriyaki Shrimp, you might find yourself with leftovers. Storing the dish properly is essential to maintaining its quality. Here’s how to do it:
- Cool Down: Allow the Teriyaki Shrimp to cool to room temperature before storing it. This step helps to prevent condensation and keep the shrimp from becoming soggy.
- Use the Right Containers: Place the shrimp and any remaining sauce into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to prevent air from getting in.
- Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days. Teriyaki Shrimp can typically last up to three days in the fridge.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to keep the dish for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months in the freezer.
- Reheating Tips: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking, or heat them in the microwave, covered, for a quicker option.
These steps will help ensure that your Teriyaki Shrimp remains tasty even after being stored.
Variation of Teriyaki Shrimp
The beauty of Teriyaki Shrimp is its adaptability. Here are several creative variations you can try to keep your meals fresh and exciting:
- Spicy Teriyaki Shrimp: Add some heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha into the teriyaki sauce. This variation gives your dish an extra kick that spice lovers will enjoy.
- Tropical Teriyaki: For a fruity twist, fold in pineapple chunks when you return the shrimp to the pan. The sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Garlic Butter Teriyaki Shrimp: Enhance the richness of the dish by adding a tablespoon of butter to the skillet when cooking the shrimp. The combination of garlic and butter elevates the overall taste.
- Teriyaki Shrimp Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling for soft tortillas, top with fresh avocado and mango salsa, and drizzle with lime juice. This creates a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos.
- Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Skewers: For summer BBQs, marinate the shrimp in the teriyaki sauce and skewer them with your choice of vegetables. Grill for a smoky twist that’s perfect for outdoor dining.
By mixing and matching these variations, you’ll find a new way to enjoy Teriyaki Shrimp every time!
FAQ About Teriyaki Shrimp
What is Teriyaki Shrimp?
Teriyaki Shrimp is a delightful dish made by cooking shrimp in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It’s known for its delicious flavor and is often paired with rice or vegetables.
How long does it take to make Teriyaki Shrimp?
You can prepare Teriyaki Shrimp in around 20-30 minutes. It’s a quick dish that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best results.
What can I serve with Teriyaki Shrimp?
Popular options include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy the shrimp in tacos or lettuce wraps for a creative twist.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Using cornstarch is the best way to thicken your teriyaki sauce. Mix it with a tablespoon of water, then add it to the boiling sauce and stir for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
Teriyaki Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening the sauce
- 1 tablespoon water for cornstarch mixture
- 1 1 green onion, diced for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, diced green onion, and toasted sesame seeds. Whisk until well blended.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tablespoon of water and cornstarch until smooth.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling sauce and stir continuously until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them with the thickened sauce. Allow to simmer for an additional minute.
Serving
- Serve Teriyaki Shrimp over rice or with vegetables.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!