Sticky Teriyaki Shrimp

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This incredibly delicious and effortlessly easy Teriyaki Shrimp recipe is a game-changer, promising a flavor-packed dish that can be on your table in a mere 15 minutes. It’s the ultimate solution for busy evenings, meal prepping, or whenever you crave something quick, healthy, and utterly satisfying. Forget about complicated cooking; this recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze, delivering a mouthwatering experience that rivals your favorite takeout.

Imagine tender, juicy shrimp coated in a perfectly balanced teriyaki sauce, quickly sautéed alongside crisp-tender broccoli florets. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of harmonious flavors – sweet notes mingling with savory umami and a hint of salt, creating an irresistible profile. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite grain, and you have a complete, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying dinner that comes together faster than you can order delivery.

If you’re as passionate about seafood as we are, and looking to explore more delightful shrimp dishes, be sure to check out our refreshing Cilantro Lime Shrimp or our light and flavorful Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp. But for now, let’s dive into what makes this Teriyaki Shrimp recipe an absolute must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Shrimp Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about quick cooking; it’s about smart cooking that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here are a few compelling reasons why this Teriyaki Shrimp will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• An Unbeatably Quick 15-Minute Meal: In today’s fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. This recipe understands that. Crafted with just a handful of readily available kitchen staples, these Teriyaki Shrimp swiftly transition from your pantry to your plate in a flash. It’s the quintessential busy weeknight savior, perfect for those evenings when you need a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The minimal preparation and lightning-fast cooking time mean you can enjoy a gourmet-quality meal even on your most hectic days.
• Healthier, Fresher, and Tastier Than Takeout: Say goodbye to the endless wait and often greasy mystery of takeout. This homemade Teriyaki Shrimp offers a significantly healthier and undeniably tastier alternative. You control the ingredients, ensuring fresh, wholesome components go into every bite. Not only does it cook up quicker than most delivery services can arrive, but it’s also remarkably lighter and packed with more vibrant flavors. Serving it with a generous portion of rice and crisp vegetables transforms it into a perfectly balanced meal that nourishes your body while tantalizing your taste buds.
• A Finger-Licking, Versatile Marinade: The secret to this dish’s incredible flavor lies in its simple yet profoundly delicious marinade. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory, infusing the shrimp with a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. While it’s absolutely fantastic with shrimp, this versatile marinade also works wonders with other proteins like chicken or even tofu, making it a valuable addition to your recipe repertoire. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to lick the plate clean!
• Perfect for Meal Prepping: Beyond its speed, this Teriyaki Shrimp recipe is an excellent choice for meal prepping. Its flavors meld beautifully over time, and it reheats wonderfully, making it an ideal candidate for preparing ahead. Pack it for lunches during your workday, or portion it out for quick dinners throughout the week. It maintains its deliciousness and texture, offering convenience without compromise.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Teriyaki Shrimp

Crafting this fantastic dish requires simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this culinary delight to life:

• Raw Shrimp: The star of our show. Opt for high-quality raw shrimp for the best texture and flavor. We’ll discuss choosing and preparing them in detail below.
• Teriyaki Sauce: The backbone of the dish’s flavor. A good quality store-bought sauce works perfectly for speed, or you can whip up a quick homemade version.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an indispensable aromatic depth to the marinade.
• Seasoning: A simple yet effective blend of salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the shrimp and vegetables, providing a healthy cooking fat.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds a delightful crunch, vibrant color, and nutritional boost to the meal.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make These Teriyaki Shrimp

Creating this flavorful Teriyaki Shrimp dish is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a quick and satisfying meal:

• Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine your raw shrimp with the teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare your cooking area. This quick marination time is enough to infuse the shrimp with incredible flavor without over-tenderizing them. Save 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.

• Cook the Shrimp: Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the reserved 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sauté the shrimp for 5-7 minutes, flipping the pieces occasionally, until they turn opaque and curl into a ‘C’ shape. This indicates they are perfectly cooked and juicy.
• Add the Veggies: Once the shrimp are almost cooked through, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss and fold everything together, allowing the broccoli to cook for an additional 3 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender-crisp, maintaining a slight bite, not mushy.
• Serve and Enjoy!: Remove the skillet from the heat. Your delicious Teriyaki Shrimp with broccoli is now ready to be served. Pair it with your favorite side, such as steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Teriyaki Shrimp

Achieving perfectly cooked, flavorful Teriyaki Shrimp is easy with a few key insights. These tips will help you master the dish every time:

• Embrace Store-Bought Convenience: While homemade teriyaki sauce is fantastic, don’t hesitate to use a good quality store-bought version. It significantly cuts down on prep time and can still deliver excellent flavor. Having it on hand means you’re always just minutes away from this delicious meal.
• Mind the Marination Time: Shrimp only need a quick soak in the marinade to absorb flavors. 10 minutes is often sufficient, especially with the quick cooking method. If you have more time, 20-30 minutes is fine, but avoid marinating for hours, as the acid in some teriyaki sauces can start to “cook” the shrimp, altering their texture.
• Prep Your Teriyaki Sauce Ahead: If you’re making your own teriyaki sauce from scratch, it can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows for even quicker assembly on busy nights.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp!: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Shrimp cook incredibly fast. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, losing their delightful succulence. Keep a close eye on them; they are done once they turn opaque pink and form a gentle ‘C’ shape. If they form a tight ‘O’ shape, they’re likely overcooked.
• Keep Your Veggies Crisp-Tender: Similarly, avoid overcooking your vegetables. Mushy broccoli is far less appealing than crisp-tender florets. Cook them just until they are bright green and have a slight bite, adding a wonderful textural contrast to the shrimp.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you enjoy a kick of heat, feel free to add a pinch or two of chili flakes or a dash of chili powder to your marinade. Adjust to your personal preference for a fiery twist.
• To Tail or Not to Tail?: The choice to remove the shrimp tails or leave them on is entirely up to you. Leaving them on can provide a convenient “handle” for eating, especially when serving them as an appetizer. However, for a cleaner eating experience, particularly if serving over rice, you might prefer them peeled entirely.
• A Meal Prep Champion: This Teriyaki Shrimp recipe truly shines in meal prep. It stores and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal option for healthy and delicious lunch meals throughout your work week. Simply portion it out into airtight containers with your chosen side, and you’re set for days.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Teriyaki Shrimp

This versatile Teriyaki Shrimp recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal. Its vibrant flavors mean it’s incredibly adaptable and perfect for clearing out the fridge with whatever fresh veggies you have on hand.

While broccoli is a fantastic choice for its texture and nutritional value, don’t limit yourself! Consider other delightful additions like crisp sugar snap peas, earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, tender zucchini slices, or even bell peppers for a burst of color and flavor. You can sauté them alongside the shrimp or steam them separately.

For a classic pairing, serve your Teriyaki Shrimp over fluffy white or brown rice. If you’re looking to keep things even lighter and lower in carbohydrates, pairing this easy shrimp recipe with some cauliflower rice or quinoa makes for an excellent alternative, adding a nutritional punch without compromising on flavor.

Beyond rice and vegetables, consider serving it with a side of lo mein noodles, a fresh green salad, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter, refreshing meal. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions as a garnish adds both aesthetic appeal and a final layer of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the best type of shrimp to use?

For the absolute best results, we highly recommend using raw shrimp in this recipe. While cooked shrimp can be used in a pinch, raw shrimp (often sold frozen in bags or fresh at the seafood counter) offers superior flavor and a more tender, succulent texture once cooked. If using raw shrimp, you may need to peel and devein them, though many grocery stores offer varieties that are already peeled and deveined for convenience. For a meatier and more satisfying bite, opt for larger shrimp, ideally those labeled as 16-20 count (meaning there are 16-20 shrimp per pound).

How to peel and devein shrimp?

Peeling shrimp is straightforward. Begin by starting at the bottom, where the legs are attached, and gently pull off the shell. You can choose to leave the tail piece on, as it provides a convenient handle for picking up and eating the shrimp, although it’s not essential. To devein the shrimp, take a small, sharp knife and make a shallow incision down the back of each shrimp. You’ll expose a dark vein, which can then be easily removed. If you’ve purchased pre-peeled and deveined shrimp, you can happily skip these steps and proceed directly to marinating!

What else can I serve with these Teriyaki Shrimp?

These Teriyaki Shrimp are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide array of sides. Beyond the classic rice and broccoli, consider serving them with a vibrant medley of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms. For a heartier meal, combine them with Asian-style noodles such as ramen or udon. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, steamed cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are fantastic. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions adds a final touch of freshness and flavor.

Can I make my own Teriyaki Sauce?

Absolutely! Making your own teriyaki sauce from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your preference. A simple homemade teriyaki sauce typically combines soy sauce, mirin (or sake with a pinch of sugar), rice vinegar, brown sugar, and grated ginger and garlic. Simmering these ingredients until slightly thickened creates a rich and authentic sauce that tastes incredibly fresh. While a quality store-bought sauce works wonders for speed, a homemade version adds an extra layer of gourmet appeal.

Is Teriyaki Shrimp a healthy meal option?

Yes, this Teriyaki Shrimp recipe can be a very healthy meal option, especially when prepared at home. Shrimp itself is a low-calorie, high-protein food packed with essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. When paired with fresh vegetables like broccoli, you get a significant boost of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. By controlling the amount of added sugars and sodium in the teriyaki sauce (whether store-bought or homemade), you can ensure a balanced and nutritious meal. It’s a lean protein source combined with nutrient-dense vegetables, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome diet.

Other Delicious Recipes You Might Like

If you’ve enjoyed this Teriyaki Shrimp recipe, we encourage you to explore more of our culinary creations. Here are a few other favorites that might catch your eye:

• Spicy Salmon Salad Recipe
• Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Recipe
• Shish Tawook
• Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

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Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 2 votes

Teriyaki Shrimp

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

This easy Teriyaki Shrimp recipe can be prepped and ready on your plate within 15 minutes. It is super easy to make and great for meal prepping.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. raw shrimp, large
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or sliced
• 3/4 tsp. salt, or less, to your taste
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 2 tbsps. olive oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Instructions

1. Marinate the shrimp with all of the ingredients listed (teriyaki sauce, garlic, salt, paprika, onion powder), saving 1 tbsp. of olive oil for sautéing.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or cast iron skillet and add the reserved one tbsp. of olive oil. Sauté the shrimps for 5-7 minutes, flipping the pieces occasionally.
3. After the shrimp are mostly cooked, add in the broccoli florets. Fold everything together well and let them cook for 3 more minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Remove from heat and serve immediately with a side of your choice, such as rice.

Notes

• Using store-bought teriyaki sauce saves time and additional ingredients, making this meal even quicker.
• A quick 10-minute marinade for the shrimp is sufficient to infuse them with flavor.
• If preparing your own teriyaki sauce, it can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Shrimp cook very quickly! Watch them closely to prevent overcooking, which can make them rubbery. Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn opaque pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape.
• Similarly, avoid overcooking your vegetables. They are best with a bit of bite, not mushy.
• For those who enjoy a spicier dish, consider adding chili flakes or chili powder to the marinade.
• Whether to remove the shrimp tails or leave them on is a personal preference. Leaving them on can provide a convenient handle.
• This Teriyaki Shrimp recipe is excellent for meal prepping as it stores and reheats well, perfect for packed lunches.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.6g | Protein: 32.6g | Fat: 5.6g | Saturated Fat: 0.8g | Sodium: 904.2mg | Sugar: 3.8g

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