Easy Sweet Glazed Shrimp Recipe

Have you ever tasted a dish that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise? Sweet glazed shrimp is one such dish that combines the succulent flavors of fresh shrimp with a tantalizing glaze that dances on your taste buds. Picture tender shrimp coated in a sticky-sweet sauce, creating an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave you craving more.

This delightful recipe is not just about great taste; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting friends for a weekend gathering, sweet glazed shrimp is the perfect solution. The beautiful colors and fragrant aromas will fill your kitchen while the dish cooks in mere minutes. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Glazed Shrimp

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This dish can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates an irresistible taste profile that everyone will love.
• Versatile Pairing Options: Serve sweet glazed shrimp over rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that can suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Sweet Glazed Shrimp

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while still delivering rich umami flavor.
• Honey: This natural sweetener enhances the glaze’s stickiness and adds depth to the flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic essence.
• Ginger: Grated ginger brings warmth and complements the sweetness perfectly.

For the Sauce:

• Cornstarch: Use cornstarch as a thickening agent for your glaze, ensuring it clings beautifully to the shrimp.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Sweet Glazed Shrimp

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step ensures they sear nicely when cooked.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until well combined. This marinade will create your luscious glaze.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp

Add the cleaned shrimp to the marinade and let them soak for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into each piece.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a tablespoon of oil and then place the marinated shrimp in the pan. Cook for around three minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 5: Reduce Marinade

Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet after removing the cooked shrimp. Let it simmer for about two minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the thickened glaze. Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for a beautiful finish.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a significant difference in flavor compared to powdered alternatives.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your shrimp; they cook quickly! Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
• Add Spice if Desired: If you enjoy heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to your marinade for an extra kick.

Mistakes to avoid

• Overcooking the shrimp: One common mistake when making sweet glazed shrimp is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cooks very quickly, typically within just a few minutes. If you leave them on the heat too long, they can become tough and rubbery. To avoid this, cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Keep a close eye on them while they cook to ensure perfect texture.
• Not marinating long enough: Marinating your shrimp is crucial for flavor. A common error is not allowing enough time for the marinade to soak in. Ideally, let the sweet glaze sit on the shrimp for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, a couple of hours will enhance the taste even more. This step allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and gives you that delicious sweetness.
• Using too much glaze: While it might be tempting to slather your shrimp in sweet glaze, using too much can overwhelm the dish. A light coating is sufficient to give your shrimp flavor without drowning them in sauce. Start with a moderate amount of glaze during cooking and add more as needed for serving to keep every bite balanced and tasty.

Ingredients

To prepare the delicious Sweet Glazed Shrimp, gather the following ingredients:

– 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1/4 cup of soy sauce

– 1/4 cup of honey

– 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon of minced garlic

– 1 tablespoon of grated ginger

– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water (for thickening)

– Sesame seeds for garnish

– Chopped green onions for garnish

Preparation Steps

Follow these simple steps to make your Sweet Glazed Shrimp:

Start by mixing soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Stir well until fully combined. This mixture will create a flavorful glaze that enhances the shrimp’s taste.

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about two minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.

Pour the prepared glaze over the cooked shrimp in the skillet. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. To thicken the glaze, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another minute, ensuring everything is well coated.

Once done, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a delightful finish.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Glazed Shrimp is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed jasmine rice: The fluffy rice absorbs the sweet glaze perfectly.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful mix adds nutrition and crunch to your meal.
• Quinoa salad: This provides a healthy alternative while complementing flavors beautifully.

FAQs

What should I serve with Sweet Glazed Shrimp?

Sweet Glazed Shrimp can be served with various sides to enhance your dining experience. Consider pairing it with steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the delightful glaze beautifully. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition and color on your plate. Another great option is quinoa salad; its nutty flavor complements the sweetness of the shrimp well while providing extra health benefits.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp when making Sweet Glazed Shrimp. Be sure to thaw them properly before cooking. To thaw frozen shrimp quickly, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or leave them overnight in the refrigerator. Once they are thawed, proceed with peeling and deveining if necessary before following the recipe as directed.

How do I store leftovers of Sweet Glazed Shrimp?

Storing leftover Sweet Glazed Shrimp is easy! Place any remaining shrimp in an airtight container once cooled completely. Store it in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through without overcooking.

Can this recipe be made spicy?

Absolutely! If you enjoy some heat in your dishes, you can easily make your Sweet Glazed Shrimp spicy. Simply add red pepper flakes or sriracha to your glaze mixture before cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preference for that perfect balance between sweet and spicy flavors.

Conclusion for Sweet Glazed Shrimp

In conclusion, Sweet Glazed Shrimp is not only quick and easy to make but also delivers an explosion of flavors that will impress anyone at your table. With just a handful of ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time at all. Pair it with fluffy jasmine rice or vibrant stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Don’t forget to try out different pairings or variations based on your personal preferences! Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious dish!