Teriyaki Shrimp

Gina Whitley
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Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
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15 Min Read

Teriyaki Shrimp Recipe

Hello! So glad you decided to get into the kitchen today. We're going to prepare some teriyaki shrimp that will solve your dinner in the blink of an eye. The essence of this dish is the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with that shiny, sticky sauce coating each shrimp. It's a fantastic option to break out of the routine without complicating your life, ideal for treating yourself or sharing with family.


Preparation time

Organization is key in the kitchen, and with this recipe, you'll see that speed is your best ally. Here's the breakdown for you to plan your time:

  • Preparation: 22 minutes
  • Cooking: 3 minutes
  • Total: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

To achieve that authentic flavor that transports us to Asia, we need to respect the quantities and elements of the sauce. Don't worry, these are ingredients that are easily found nowadays.

For the sauce

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons mirin
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons peeled and minced ginger
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the shrimp

  • 1 1/4 pounds (approx. 570g) extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion (scallion) (Optional)
  • Sesame seeds (Optional)

If you don't have mirin, you can replace it with dry sherry or a white wine sweet one, although the flavor will vary slightly. If you don't have honey, brown or white sugar works, but honey gives a special shine. If you're short on side dish ideas, you could be inspired by a light base like the one we use in the Israeli couscous and shrimp salad.


Utensils we will use

We don't need sophisticated equipment for this dish; the basics you have at home are enough to achieve a restaurant-quality result.

  • A medium bowl for mixing the sauce
  • A small whisk or a fork
  • A large non-stick pan (preferably 30 cm / 12 inches)
  • A silicone spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Preparation

This is where the magic happens. Follow the steps carefully, especially the cooking times for the shrimp, as they cook very quickly and we want them to be juicy, not chewy.

1. Teriyaki sauce mixture

  1. Combine liquids and aromatics: In the medium bowl, place the soy sauce, mirin, water, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha.
  2. Add thickener and flavor: Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and cornstarch.
  3. Whisk vigorously: Use the balloon whisk to mix everything very well. Make sure the cornstarch dissolves completely and no white lumps remain; this is vital for the sauce to thicken evenly later.

2. Cooking the shrimp

  1. Heat the pan: Place the non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the tablespoon of oil and let it heat up well.
  2. Sear the shrimp: Place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Do not crowd them so they brown and do not steam. Cook for 1 and a half minutes. If you like recipes with different textures, such as coconut shrimp, you'll notice that here we are looking for a quick and clean sear.
  3. Flip: Quickly flip each one. Cook on the other side for 30 seconds. At this point, they should start to look pink and opaque.

3. Integration and thickening

  1. Reactivate the sauce: Before pouring it, give the sauce mixture in the bowl a quick whisk (cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom).
  2. Pour and cook: Pour the sauce into the pan over the shrimp.
  3. Thicken: Cook and stir constantly (without flipping the shrimp individually, just moving everything together) for approximately 1 more minute. You will notice that the sauce bubbles and becomes thick and shiny, coating everything.

To finish and serve

As soon as you see that the sauce has a syrup-like consistency and the shrimp are fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat immediately. Serve hot to enjoy the perfect texture. Sprinkle chopped green onion and sesame seeds on top if you decided to use them. This dish is phenomenal over a bed of steaming white rice or steamed vegetables. If you're looking for a low-carb option, you could try serving it over some zucchini noodles, although the teriyaki sauce is the undisputed star here.


Nutritional Information

It's good to know what we're eating. Here are the estimated values per serving so you can keep track of your diet.

  • Calories: 221 kcal
  • Proteins: 21 g
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g

Note: Daily percentage values and exact figures may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use at home.


5 keys to make it perfect

To make this recipe go from «good» to «spectacular,» there are small details that make all the difference. Here I share my secrets:

1. Pre-preparation (Mise en place): Shrimp cook at lightning speed. Have the sauce mixed and ready before turning on the heat. If you start measuring the sauce while the shrimp are in the pan, they will overcook and become rubbery.

2. Size does matter: Use extra-large shrimp if possible. They retain their juiciness better with high heat. If using small shrimp, reduce cooking time by half.

3. Control the cornstarch: Cornstarch is what gives body to the sauce. Always dissolve it in cold liquid (with the sauce liquids) before it touches heat. If you add it directly to the hot pan, it will form lumps that are impossible to break up.

4. Fresh ginger and garlic: Although powdered versions exist, fresh minced garlic and ginger provide a pungent and citrusy aroma that elevates the dish. It is the soul of homemade teriyaki.

5. Do not overcook: It's the number one mistake with seafood. As soon as the shrimp curl slightly and turn pink, they're done. The residual heat from the sauce will finish the job. It's better to be a second short than a minute over.


When is it ideal to enjoy it?

These Teriyaki Shrimp are incredibly versatile. Due to their speed (25 minutes!), they are the perfect salvation for a Tuesday night dinner when you arrive home tired from work but want to eat something delicious and homemade. However, their bright and appetizing presentation makes them worthy of a weekend dinner with friends.

They also work wonderfully as a main course in an Asian-themed meal. If you like flavors with a different smoky or spicy touch, such as chipotle shrimp with orange, you'll find that teriyaki offers a sweeter and milder profile that children often love. It's an excellent way to introduce seafood to the little ones at home.


Comparison table

Sometimes we look for one recipe and end up finding another that better fits what we have in the pantry. Here I compare our teriyaki shrimp with other popular options so you can choose the best one for today.

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Teriyaki Shrimp (This recipe)Soy sauce, honey, gingerSweet and thick sauce, Asian style quick.
Shrimp and asparagus risottoArborio rice, broth, cheeseCreamy and more elaborate dish, Italian style.
Garlic ShrimpLots of garlic, oil, chiliSalty and spicy profile, without sweetness.
Breaded ShrimpBreadcrumbs, egg, flourCrispy and dry texture, fried in abundant oil.
Shrimp CurryCoconut milk, curry pasteIntense spicy flavor and soupy texture.
Shrimp CevicheLemon, cilantro, raw onionIt «cooks» in acid, served cold and fresh.
Shrimp SkewersPeppers, onion, skewersIdeal for grilling, smoky flavor.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)


Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. I'd love to know how these shrimp turned out for you. Did you add your own touch? Maybe a little more spice or served them with noodles? Leave your comment and share your own tips so we can all keep learning!

Culinary glossary

  • Mirin: Japanese sweet rice wine, essential in Asian cuisine to add shine and a subtle sweetness to sauces. It has less alcohol than sake.
  • Deveining: Process of removing the shrimp's intestine (that dark line running along its back) by making a shallow cut. Improves texture and flavor.
  • Sear: To cook food quickly over high heat to brown the surface and retain the juices inside.
  • Reduce: To cook a sauce or liquid over open heat so that some of the water evaporates, concentrating the flavors and thickening the texture.
  • Plating: The act of aesthetically arranging food on a plate before serving it at the table.
Teriyaki Shrimp
Teriyaki Shrimp

Teriyaki Shrimp: step-by-step recipe crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spice and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: shrimp, teriyaki, Mexican, salads, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 250 kcal

Preparation Time: PT15M

Cooking Time: PT10M

Total Time: PT25M

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 500 g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • Sesame or vegetable oil
  • Pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 crushed garlic clove
  • 100 ml water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 15 minutes

Teriyaki Shrimp

Cooking: :

Cooking: 10 minutes

Teriyaki Shrimp

Total: :

Total: 25 minutes

Teriyaki Shrimp

Servings: :

Servings: 4

Teriyaki Shrimp

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Intermediate

Teriyaki Shrimp

Marinate the shrimp: :

Marinate the shrimp: Place the peeled shrimp in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of honey. Add pepper to taste and mix well, ensuring each piece is covered by the marinade. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Prepare the teriyaki sauce: :

Prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and water. Stir until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. If you want a thicker consistency, dissolve the cornstarch in a little cold water and add it to the mixture.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Cook the shrimp: :

Cook the shrimp: Heat a wok or flat pan with sesame oil and add the marinated shrimp. Sauté them over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until they change color and have a firm texture.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Incorporate the sauce: :

Incorporate the sauce: Pour the sauce over the shrimp in the pan, stirring to coat well. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and forms a glossy glaze.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Serve: :

Serve: Serve the shrimp with jasmine rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Add sesame seeds and chopped green onion for a final touch.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Weeknight dinners: :

Weeknight Dinners: In less than 30 minutes you have a tasty dish that satisfies the whole family.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Gatherings with friends: :

Gatherings with friends: Sharing a plate of glazed shrimp with teriyaki sauce results in a complete gastronomic experience.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Special events and celebrations: :

Special events and celebrations: Its colorful presentation and intense flavor stand out on any festive table.

Teriyaki Shrimp

For lunch: :

For lunch: A nutritious and energizing option to start the day strong, especially if you combine it with a pasta or rice salad.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Select good quality shrimp. :

Select good quality shrimp. Freshness and uniform size ensure even cooking and superior flavor.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Do not over marinate. :

Do not over-marinate. Limiting the time prevents the shrimp from becoming too soft or losing their natural texture.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Use quality ingredients for the sauce. :

Use quality ingredients for the sauce. Authentic soy and ginger provide a deeper flavor profile.

Teriyaki Shrimp

Handle the heat carefully.:

Handle the fire carefully. Controlling the temperature ensures the shrimp are cooked just right.

Teriyaki Shrimp
Editor's Rating:
4.3
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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