Asian Garlic Shrimp

When you’re craving Chinese takeout, put down that delivery menu and opt for this homemade dish instead.

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Chinese garlic shrimp has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it’s packed with protein and only takes about 20 minutes to prep. I like to make a pot of green tea to serve with it because it reminds me of being at my favorite Chinese restaurant, where the first thing they do when you sit down is bring you a pot of steaming hot tea and those tiny little teacups. To me, that radiates comfort.

This recipe calls for sesame oil, which you’ve probably heard of but might not necessarily have in your pantry, alongside olive oil and vegetable oil. It’s time to change that. Sesame oil is a fantastic ingredient to have on hand for cooking Chinese, Japanese, or Korean dishes. Its nutty and earthy flavor adds a touch of authenticity to most Asian cuisine, even if you’re just frying up a frozen scallion pancake. After sautéing, the shrimp are coated in a dark and rich sauce made with soy sauce, tangy rice wine vinegar, and the subtle sweetness of honey. For color and contrast, a scattering of green onions and sesame seeds finishes the dish.

Is This Asian Garlic Shrimp Healthy?

Yes, this dish is healthy because shrimp is a low-calorie, low-fat, high-protein seafood. Additionally, the sauce is sweetened with honey, which has a lower glycemic index than refined white sugar. Low-sodium soy sauce makes the dish a healthier choice for those monitoring their salt intake. The garlic, ginger, and green onions bring in big flavor without adding fat or significant calories. If you want to pack in even more nutrition, I suggest adding broccoli and bell peppers. Plus, opting for brown rice over white rice can add higher fiber and mineral content to your meal. Make this entrée gluten-free by substituting a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Should I Always Rinse My Rice?

Rice is a common pairing for garlic shrimp. If you’ve ever wondered how the white rice served in Chinese restaurants tastes so delicious, one of the reasons is that they rinse it. Why? When rice is processed and packaged, the grains rub against each other, creating a fine powder. Rinsing away that powder allows the individual grains of rice to stay separate while cooking, creating that desirable fluffy texture. Unrinsed rice will come out clumpier and mushier. Ultimately, the choice to rinse or not is up to your taste preference and time constraints. I completely understand not wanting to add more steps to weeknight dinner prep!

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover Chinese garlic shrimp in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan on the stovetop or in the oven until the internal temp reaches 145°F.

Add Visual Interest With Black Sesame Seeds

You can instantly make this dish feel a little more luxurious by substituting half or all of the regular sesame seeds with black sesame seeds.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before sautéing.

Serving Suggestions

Rice and noodles are two classic pairings for Chinese garlic shrimp. You could serve this dish with traditional rice noodles, although they are low in nutrients. Make your kitchen smell amazing by pairing it with Instant Pot Basmati Rice, and add a side of Peas And Carrots for a healthful and visually stunning meal. For the ultimate healthy option, reach for zoodles (zucchini noodles), made from spiralized zucchini. If you’re looking for an appetizer for this main dish, I suggest Asian Turkey Meatballs.