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Are you tired of takeout but still crave bold, Asian-inspired flavors? This sesame shrimp stir-fry is a delicious solution! This recipe is simple and quick to make. You can have a flavorful dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
What Makes Sesame Shrimp So Good?
Sesame shrimp is popular in many Asian cuisines. The dish gets its unique flavor from a mix of sweet and savory ingredients. Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic are common elements in the sauce. Shrimp is a healthy protein source. It is low in fat and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Choosing Your Ingredients
Shrimp
You can find shrimp in many sizes. Larger shrimp have lower numbers per pound. For example, 1 pound might contain 16-20 large shrimp. 1 pound might contain 31-35 smaller shrimp. The size of the shrimp affects how long they need to cook. [Information not found in the sources and may need to be verified.]
Sauce Ingredients
Each ingredient in the sesame shrimp sauce adds something special:
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and a savory flavor called “umami.”
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil gives the dish a nutty aroma and taste.
- Ginger: Ginger adds a fresh, spicy flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic enhances the savory flavors in the sauce.
- Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the other flavors.
- Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar brightens the sauce with acidity. You can use seasoned or unseasoned rice vinegar. If you use unseasoned rice vinegar, add 2 teaspoons of sugar. This makes the sauce as sweet as if you used seasoned rice vinegar.
Other Ingredients
- Vegetables: You can add many colorful vegetables to your stir-fry. Good options include bell peppers, sugar snap peas, green onions, and broccoli.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the sauce. It gives the sauce a pleasant texture.
The Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup soy sauce (You can use low-sodium soy sauce.)
- 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil or canola oil
- 3 green onions, including onion greens, sliced diagonally
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Place frozen shrimp in a large bowl of cold water to thaw. Change the water every 10 minutes. Shrimp will thaw in about 30 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein the shrimp.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Whisk in olive oil, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add the shrimp to the bowl. Toss to coat the shrimp with the marinade. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toast the sesame seeds in a small pan on medium-high heat. Cook until they are lightly browned.
- Stir-fry the Shrimp and Green Onions: Heat cooking oil in a large pan on high heat. When the oil is very hot (almost smoking), use a slotted spoon to move the shrimp from the marinade to the hot pan. Be careful because the oil might splatter. Stir-fry for one minute. Add half of the sliced green onions. Continue to stir-fry until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Cook the shrimp for no more than 2 minutes total (about one minute on each side). Do not use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe. The marinade will not season pre-cooked shrimp properly.
- Reduce the Marinade: Remove the shrimp from the pan. Place the remaining marinade in the hot pan. Simmer the marinade until it thickens into a syrup.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the reduced marinade over the shrimp. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and remaining green onions. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Shrimp cook quickly. Do not cook them for too long or they will become rubbery.
- If you are concerned about sodium, you can use low-sodium soy sauce.
- You can store ginger in the freezer. This makes it easier to grate.
Serving Ideas
- Sesame shrimp pairs well with many side dishes. Try serving it with rice (jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice) or noodles (soba noodles or rice noodles).
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables also complement sesame shrimp.
Conclusion
Sesame shrimp is a delicious and easy meal to prepare. With a few simple ingredients and expert tips, you can create a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish at home.