Sticky Sesame Garlic Shrimp is tossed in a glossy, savory-sweet Asian-style sauce and finished with green onions and sesame seeds. Ready in about 30 minutes, this simple shrimp dinner is fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
If you enjoy shrimp, try other favorites like Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp, Teriyaki Shrimp, or Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp for more quick and tasty options.
Sticky Sesame Shrimp
With summer here and schedules full of camps and activities, quick meals are essential. Shrimp cooks in minutes, so it’s an ideal protein when you want something fast that still feels special. This sticky sesame garlic version combines a bright tang from rice wine vinegar, umami from soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar to create a sauce that clings to the shrimp and makes every bite irresistible.
The recipe is straightforward, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and can easily be served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How do you make Sticky Sesame Garlic Shrimp?
- Marinate: Combine the marinade ingredients and toss the shrimp in the mixture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors penetrate the shrimp.
- Cook: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Simmer: Pour the reserved marinade into the hot skillet and reduce it until it thickens into a syrupy glaze. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat. Serve over rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
How long do you cook shrimp in the skillet?
In a medium skillet with 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat, cook shrimp about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and the flesh becomes opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely.
Can you overcook shrimp?
Yes. Properly cooked shrimp are pink with slightly red tails and have opaque, firm flesh. If the flesh turns very bright white and rubbery, the shrimp are overcooked. Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they are opaque.
Sticky Sesame Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- chopped green onion for garnish
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp, ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar. Stir to coat the shrimp, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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Pour the reserved marinade into the hot skillet and simmer until it reduces and becomes syrupy. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the glaze. Serve topped with chopped green onion and sesame seeds, and pair with rice if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.