Sesame shrimp is one of those Chinese-style dishes I recommend all the time, especially if you’re just starting to cook at home. The ingredient list is short, the steps are straightforward, and the results are big on flavor without much effort.
I start by marinating the shrimp briefly, which helps season them all the way through and keeps them juicy when they hit the pan. From there, everything cooks quickly in a hot wok or skillet. The shrimp stir-fry in minutes, soaking up the sauce as it thickens and coats each piece.
A big part of what makes this dish work is the sesame oil. You don’t need much, but it adds that unmistakable nutty flavor that really defines sesame shrimp. If you’d like to bulk up the meal, this is also a great place to add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers.
Serving suggestion
I like to serve sesame shrimp simply, spooned over hot white rice so none of the sauce goes to waste. It’s fast, beginner-friendly, and one of those recipes that proves you don’t need a long prep or complicated techniques to make a great homemade Chinese-style meal.
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Read next: How to stir-fry: Ingredients and recipes for healthy, fresh, fast meals
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Sesame shrimp recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinade Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Quick and flavorful sesame shrimp stir-fried in a savory soy and garlic sauce and served over hot white rice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb medium raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp
In a sealable bag or bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. - Stir-fry and serve
Heat the peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp along with the marinade and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Serve hot over white rice and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 262
- Sugar: 1.1 g
- Sodium: 569.9 mg
- Fat: 16.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.7 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 182.5 mg