Quick & Easy Teriyaki Shrimp: Your Go-To 20-Minute Weeknight Meal
Searching for a dinner solution that’s both incredibly fast and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this delightful teriyaki shrimp recipe! Designed for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in less than 20 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a meal that rivals your favorite take-out. Imagine perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce – it’s a culinary dream that’s surprisingly effortless to achieve. Pair it with a bed of fluffy white rice, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and a flourish of sliced green onions for an effortlessly elegant and deeply satisfying dinner. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a promise of deliciousness without the fuss.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Teriyaki Shrimp Recipe
This isn’t just another shrimp recipe; it’s a meticulously crafted dish designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s what makes our teriyaki shrimp an absolute standout:
- Unbeatable Speed & Simplicity: In today’s fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. This teriyaki shrimp recipe is a true lifesaver, coming together in as little as 15-20 minutes from start to finish. This means you can whip up a nutritious, homemade meal even on your busiest days, without resorting to unhealthy processed foods or expensive take-out. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something satisfying but don’t have the energy for complex cooking. The simple, straightforward steps ensure that anyone, regardless of their cooking expertise, can achieve fantastic results.
- The Irresistible Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: The heart and soul of this dish is undoubtedly its homemade teriyaki sauce. Forget bland, store-bought versions; our sauce is a symphony of flavors – perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, with a luscious richness. Infused with aromatic notes of fresh ginger, savory garlic, and umami-rich soy sauce, it creates a glaze that clings beautifully to the shrimp. The secret lies in its ideal thickness, ensuring every bite is coated in this delectable goodness. It’s a sauce so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!
- The Perfect Companion: Fluffy Rice: While delicious on its own, this teriyaki shrimp truly shines when served alongside a generous helping of fluffy white rice. The rice acts as a neutral canvas, soaking up every drop of that incredible teriyaki sauce and providing a comforting, substantial base for your meal. For ultimate convenience, feel free to use precooked rice or minute rice, cutting down your prep time even further. This combination creates a complete, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying dinner that appeals to all ages.
- Versatile & Customizable: Beyond its core ingredients, this recipe offers fantastic flexibility. You can easily adjust the spice level, add a splash of sriracha for a kick, or incorporate your favorite vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, or bell peppers for a full-fledged stir-fry. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity in the kitchen, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences and available ingredients.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients. When paired with our homemade sauce (which avoids excessive sugars and artificial ingredients often found in commercial sauces), this dish becomes a healthy option you can feel good about serving to your family. It’s a delicious way to enjoy seafood and incorporate more nutrient-rich meals into your diet.
Chef’s Essential Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Shrimp
Achieving restaurant-quality teriyaki shrimp at home is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips:
- Mise en Place is Key: Shrimp cook incredibly fast, often in just a few minutes. To prevent overcooking and ensure a smooth cooking process, it’s crucial to have all your other meal components ready before you even think about tossing the shrimp into the skillet. This means your rice should be cooked, vegetables chopped, and your teriyaki sauce mixed and standing by. This preparation method, known as “mise en place,” ensures everything flows seamlessly and your shrimp are cooked to perfection.
- Know Your Shrimp Doneness: The tell-tale sign of perfectly cooked shrimp is their appearance. They should turn opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape. If your shrimp curl tightly into an “O” shape, it’s a clear indication that they have been overcooked, resulting in a rubbery texture. Keep a close eye on them; a minute too long can make all the difference between tender, juicy shrimp and tough ones.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking shrimp, resist the urge to pile them all into the skillet at once if you’re making a large batch. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, causing the shrimp to steam rather than sear. This leads to less flavor and a less desirable texture. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary, ensuring they have enough space to achieve a beautiful sear on each side.
- Thaw Shrimp Properly: If using frozen shrimp, proper thawing is essential. The best method is to transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thaw, place the frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes, gently separating them until fully thawed. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before cooking; excess moisture can prevent proper searing.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: The cornstarch slurry is what gives the teriyaki sauce its signature thick, glossy texture. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can reduce the amount of cornstarch slightly. Conversely, for an even thicker, more robust glaze, prepare a small additional slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and stir it into the simmering sauce until your desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish for Flavor and Presentation: Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal, while thinly sliced green onions provide a fresh, pungent counterpoint to the rich sauce. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the flavors just before serving.
Exploring More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of shrimp, the culinary possibilities are endless! Once you’ve mastered this teriyaki delight, we encourage you to dive into our collection of other fantastic shrimp recipes. From comforting soups to vibrant salads and hearty main courses, there’s a shrimp dish for every craving and occasion. Expand your seafood repertoire and discover new favorites with these exciting options:
- Shrimp Parmesan
- Shrimp and Corn Soup
- Quick & Easy Blackened Shrimp
- Shrimp Remoulade
- Poached Shrimp
- Shrimp Omelette
- Baked Stuffed Shrimp
- Buffalo Shrimp
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Shrimp Ceviche
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Teriyaki Shrimp
Cheryl Malik
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Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt more or less to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 packed tablespoons light brown sugar
For the Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other neutral oil with high smoke-point
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined
Equipment
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medium bowl
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whisk
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Large skillet
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Tongs
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Whisk these two ingredients together thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, forming a smooth slurry. This slurry will be used later to thicken the sauce.
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To the same bowl, add 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, ½ cup water, ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to your preference), ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and 3 packed tablespoons light brown sugar. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the sugar has dissolved. Set this bowl aside as your prepared teriyaki sauce.
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Place a large skillet (cast iron or non-stick works well) on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or another neutral oil with a high smoke-point like canola or grapeseed oil) to the skillet. Heat the pan until the oil is hot and appears shimmery, indicating it’s ready for searing.
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Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add 1 pound of large shrimp (peeled and deveined) to the skillet, arranging them in a single, even layer. This ensures they cook evenly and sear beautifully. Sauté the shrimp for precisely 1 minute.
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After 1 minute, swiftly flip each shrimp over using tongs. Continue to sauté the shrimp on the other side for an additional 30 seconds, or just until they are not quite completely opaque. They will finish cooking in the sauce. This quick cooking ensures they remain tender.
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When the shrimp are almost fully cooked (still slightly translucent in the center), pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Cook the sauce, continuously stirring it with the shrimp, for about 1 minute. The sauce will rapidly thicken and become glossy, and the shrimp will finish cooking through, curling into that characteristic loose “C” shape.
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Immediately transfer the saucy shrimp to your serving bowls or plates. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions if desired. Serve this delectable teriyaki shrimp immediately with your favorite sides.
Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
- Timing is Everything: As mentioned in our Chef’s Tips, shrimp cook extremely quickly. If you’re planning to serve this teriyaki shrimp with sides like rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, make sure to cook those components first. This way, you can serve the shrimp as soon as it’s ready and still piping hot, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
- Ingredient Quality Matters: While this recipe is simple, the quality of your ingredients can elevate the final dish. Opt for good quality low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, and fresh ginger and garlic if you have them, for an even more vibrant flavor profile in your homemade teriyaki sauce.
- Customizing Your Heat: For those who enjoy a little spice, a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the teriyaki sauce mixture. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred level of heat.
- Storage & Reheating: Leftover teriyaki shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave on a low setting. Be careful not to overcook, as reheating can further toughen the shrimp if done too aggressively.
- Make it a Meal: This teriyaki shrimp is fantastic with white or brown rice, but also pairs wonderfully with quinoa, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even tossed with noodles for a quick stir-fry. Add some steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for a complete and balanced meal.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Final Thoughts on This Speedy Shrimp Sensation
This teriyaki shrimp recipe is a testament to the idea that truly delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It embodies the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, the straightforward steps and foolproof tips in this guide will ensure your success.
From the moment you start whisking together the vibrant homemade teriyaki sauce to the final flourish of sesame seeds and green onions, you’ll appreciate how quickly and effortlessly this dish comes to life. The sweet, savory, and tangy notes of the sauce perfectly complement the delicate flavor and tender texture of the shrimp, creating a harmonious culinary experience that will impress even the most discerning palates.
So, the next time you find yourself staring into the fridge wondering what to make for dinner, remember this quick and easy teriyaki shrimp. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s your secret weapon for making delicious, healthy, and satisfying weeknight meals a regular occurrence. Enjoy the simplicity, savor the flavors, and relish the joy of a homemade dish that tastes like a gourmet take-out treat. Happy cooking!