Teriyaki Shrimp

Introduction

Teriyaki Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines juicy shrimp with a glossy, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce. It’s a beautiful balance of umami from soy sauce, sweetness from honey or brown sugar, and depth from garlic and ginger. This dish has roots in Japanese cuisine but has become popular worldwide due to its versatility and ease of preparation.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love this recipe because it’s fast, delicious, and incredibly versatile. Shrimp cooks in minutes, so this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The teriyaki glaze clings beautifully to the shrimp, giving it a rich, glossy finish that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even fresh veggies. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home with minimal effort.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick Cooking: Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Healthy yet Indulgent: Packed with protein, low in fat, and can be made gluten-free.
• Perfect Balance: Sweet, salty, and savory all in one bite.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~230 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Japanese (with Asian-inspired fusion appeal)
• Course: Main dish or appetizer

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
• 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare teriyaki sauce by simmering soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
2. Cook shrimp quickly in a skillet with oil until pink and opaque.
3. Add teriyaki sauce, toss shrimp until coated, and simmer for a minute.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Heat over medium flame, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to simmer.
3. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Reduce heat to low and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Toss shrimp until fully coated.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over shrimp.
2. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.

How to Serve

• Over steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• With stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
• Tossed into lo mein or ramen noodles
• As a party appetizer on skewers

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they only need 3–4 minutes total.
• For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce for 10 minutes before cooking.
• Use fresh ginger for best results—it gives more zing than powdered ginger.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Shrimp: Add 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to sauce.
• Citrus Twist: Add 1 tbsp orange juice or zest for a fruity note.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with tofu or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked teriyaki shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze shrimp (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and toss with fresh teriyaki sauce when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid rubbery shrimp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Saucepan for teriyaki sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons/cups

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: Can I bake the shrimp instead?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, then toss with teriyaki sauce.

Q: Is teriyaki shrimp healthy?
A: Yes, it’s protein-rich, low in fat, and customizable to be gluten-free and low-sodium.

Q: Can I double the sauce recipe?
A: Absolutely—extra teriyaki sauce is perfect for drizzling over rice or vegetables.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Shrimp is a fast, flavorful, and healthy dish that deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation. With its balance of sweet and savory flavors, glossy sauce, and tender shrimp, it’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping, or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.