How To Make The Best Teriyaki Shrimp At Home: Step-by-Step Recipe

Introduction:

Do you crave that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that only a dish like teriyaki shrimp can deliver? Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this teriyaki shrimp recipe will show you how to prepare a restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your kitchen. Imagine the tender shrimp, perfectly coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze that tantalizes your taste buds. It’s easier than you think, and with the right steps, you’ll create the best teriyaki shrimp every time!

In this article, you’ll learn how to make the best teriyaki shrimp from scratch. I’ll guide you step-by-step, offering tips and tricks along the way to ensure you get the most flavorful and satisfying results. Whether you want to serve it over rice or noodles or enjoy it as a snack, this recipe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, let’s dive into the details of making teriyaki shrimp at home, and let’s make your next meal unforgettable!

What is Teriyaki Shrimp?

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s take a moment to understand what teriyaki shrimp is all about.

The Origins of Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a staple of Japanese cuisine, traditionally made with soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. The word “teriyaki” comes from two Japanese words: teri, meaning “glaze” or “shine,” and yaki, which means “grilled” or “broiled.” Originally, the sauce was used to marinate fish or meat before grilling, which is how it got its unique shine and sweet flavor. Today, teriyaki is a popular cooking technique and sauce used in a wide variety of dishes, including shrimp.

Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Shrimp

Shrimp is already a naturally sweet, tender seafood, and when combined with teriyaki sauce, it creates the ultimate mouthwatering experience. The richness of the soy sauce balances with the sweetness from the honey or brown sugar, while a touch of vinegar gives the dish a mild tang. If you’ve had teriyaki shrimp at your favorite restaurant, you know how irresistible it can be. Now, imagine being able to recreate that same flavorful shrimp dish at home, tailored to your exact preferences!

Ingredients for the Best Teriyaki Shrimp Recipe

To make the best teriyaki shrimp recipe, it’s important to gather fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this dish:

Why These Ingredients Work Together

• Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of the dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavor of the teriyaki sauce, making it tender and juicy. Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best result.
• Soy Sauce: This forms the base of the teriyaki sauce and imparts a savory umami flavor.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: These provide the sweetness needed to balance the soy sauce’s saltiness.
• Rice Vinegar: It adds a bit of acidity, which brightens up the sauce and complements the shrimp’s natural flavor.
• Garlic and Ginger: These two aromatics bring depth and warmth to the dish, making it even more flavorful.
• Cornstarch (Optional): Cornstarch is used if you want the sauce to be thicker, giving it a glossy finish that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
• Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: These are optional garnishes, but they add texture, color, and an extra burst of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Teriyaki Shrimp

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make the best teriyaki shrimp right at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by preparing your shrimp. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

• Tip: Drying the shrimp ensures they’ll cook evenly and will absorb the teriyaki sauce better.

If your shrimp aren’t already peeled and deveined, take the time to do so. This step is easy, and it makes the shrimp more enjoyable to eat.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to combine the ingredients, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

• Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers. You’ll want it to thicken slightly but not become too sticky. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the simmering sauce.

Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a smooth, slightly thickened consistency. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Next, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil—vegetable or sesame oil works best for this dish. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.

• Important: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly.

Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. You’ll know they’re done when they form a nice “C” shape and have a firm texture.

Step 4: Glaze the Shrimp

Once the shrimp are cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce over the shrimp in the pan. Toss them gently to coat the shrimp evenly in the sauce. Let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb all that sweet and savory goodness.

• Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp in the sauce. You want them to stay tender and juicy, not rubbery.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the shrimp is well-glazed, remove it from the heat. Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over a bed of rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for the Perfect Teriyaki Shrimp Every Time

While this recipe is easy to follow, here are some expert tips to elevate your dish even further:

1. Use Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh shrimp if possible. They have a much better texture and flavor than frozen shrimp, though frozen shrimp can still yield great results.
2. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by adjusting the amount of honey and soy sauce. You can also add a bit of chili sauce if you like a kick of spice.
3. Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook, and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done.
4. Serving Ideas: For a complete meal, serve the shrimp over steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or a bed of sautéed vegetables. You can even use the shrimp as a topping for noodles or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

How to Serve Teriyaki Shrimp

There are plenty of ways to enjoy your homemade teriyaki shrimp. Here are some creative serving ideas:

• Over Rice or Noodles: This is the classic way to serve teriyaki shrimp. The sauce pairs perfectly with rice or noodles, soaking into the grains and adding an extra layer of flavor.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a healthier, low-carb option, serve your shrimp in crisp lettuce leaves with some extra sauce drizzled on top.
• As Part of a Seafood Platter: Teriyaki shrimp can also be served as part of a larger seafood spread. Pair it with grilled fish, sushi, or even some steamed vegetables for a full feast.

FAQ About Teriyaki Shrimp

Can I use frozen shrimp for this teriyaki shrimp recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp work perfectly well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make the teriyaki sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering sauce. This will give the sauce a glossy, thicker texture that clings beautifully to the shrimp.

Can I make teriyaki shrimp ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also cook the shrimp ahead of time and reheat them, but be careful not to overcook them during reheating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

Conclusion:

Making the best teriyaki shrimp at home is easier than you might think, and with the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps, this dish will satisfy your cravings for a sweet and savory seafood delight.

Now that you have the full recipe and all the tips, it’s time to get cooking! Don’t wait—grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to the deliciousness of homemade teriyaki shrimp. Bon appétit!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name Email Message

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Comment or Message

Submit