These Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp are a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that will excite your taste buds. The glaze is rich and luscious, creating a beautiful contrast to the tender, succulent shrimp.
This dish is not only quick and easy to make but also versatile enough to be paired with steamed rice, noodles, or even served as an appetizer at your next dinner party. With the addition of green onions and sesame seeds, this recipe is both visually appealing and absolutely delicious. It’s a perfect weeknight meal or a weekend treat to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Full Recipe:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, water, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are fully coated and heated through.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp
Sweet and sour shrimp is a beloved dish that combines the delicate flavor of shrimp with a tangy and sweet sauce. This dish offers a wonderful balance of savory and sweet flavors, making it an irresistible choice for dinner parties, special occasions, or a quick weeknight meal. The rich glaze is what sets this dish apart, adding a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of shrimp.
This recipe for Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp is easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy individuals who want a satisfying and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The dish features shrimp that are quickly sautéed, then coated in a flavorful sweet and sour sauce that’s made from ingredients that are simple yet pack a punch. The glaze, which includes ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil, is both sweet and tangy with a slight depth of flavor from garlic and ginger.
Whether you serve it over a bed of steamed rice, with noodles, or as a stand-alone appetizer, sweet and sour shrimp will surely please your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more. Let’s explore the recipe and its many delicious qualities in detail.
Why Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp Is So Popular
Sweet and sour dishes have been a staple in many Asian cuisines for centuries. The flavor combination of sugar and vinegar has a unique ability to balance the savory elements of food, making it incredibly versatile. For shrimp lovers, this dish offers a perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The shrimp are tender and juicy, absorbing the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully, while the glaze offers just the right amount of thickness to cling to the shrimp, enhancing each bite.
Sweet and sour shrimp became especially popular in Chinese-American cuisine, but its reach has extended far beyond that, appearing in restaurants and homes around the world. The sauce can be adapted in many ways, from more traditional recipes to more modern versions with added spices and ingredients like pineapple or bell peppers. This versatility is part of the reason why sweet and sour shrimp is so beloved — it can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors in the Glaze
At the heart of this dish is the sweet and sour glaze. The glaze combines sweet elements like honey and ketchup with the sharp tang of rice vinegar and the umami flavor of soy sauce. This balance of ingredients is what gives the dish its signature flavor profile.
The ketchup serves as a base for the sauce, providing a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, while the rice vinegar introduces a touch of acidity that contrasts with the sweetness of the honey. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth, while sesame oil lends an aromatic finish that ties the flavors together. For added complexity, fresh ginger and garlic are often included, bringing in a fragrant, zesty kick that amplifies the dish’s flavor.
Health Benefits of Shrimp
While shrimp may not be a superfood, it is certainly a great source of lean protein, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Shrimp is low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a low-calorie or low-carb diet. It’s also rich in essential nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
In addition to being a great protein source, shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. These healthy fats help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and promote healthy brain function. This makes shrimp an ideal choice for a nutritious, satisfying meal that supports various aspects of your health.
Pairing Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp with Side Dishes
Sweet and sour glazed shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. One classic pairing is steamed white rice, which acts as a neutral base to soak up the tangy sauce. If you’re looking for something with a bit more texture, consider serving the shrimp with fried rice or noodles for a hearty and filling meal.
For a lighter option, serve the shrimp with a fresh vegetable stir-fry or steamed broccoli. The crispy vegetables contrast nicely with the tender shrimp, and the freshness balances the rich sweetness of the glaze. You can also serve the dish alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add some brightness and crunch to your meal.
If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to complement the dish, pineapple chunks or a tangy mango salsa can be a great accompaniment. These tropical fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the shrimp.
Customizing the Dish for Different Tastes
One of the reasons why Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp is such a versatile dish is because you can easily customize it to fit different tastes. If you prefer a spicier version, add some chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze for an extra kick. Alternatively, you can swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to create a slightly different sweetness profile.
For a more complex dish, try adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the stir-fry. The vegetables not only add color and texture but also contribute extra nutrients and vitamins. If you’re looking for a low-carb version, skip the rice and pair the shrimp with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead.
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp is a dish that brings together the best of both worlds — succulent shrimp coated in a rich, tangy sauce that is both sweet and savory. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The glaze is simple yet packed with flavor, and the shrimp offer a healthy protein option that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
With its balance of flavors and endless possibilities for customization, Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp is a dish that everyone can enjoy. Its versatility makes it a go-to option for quick meals, and it’s easy to see why this recipe continues to be a favorite in many households. Whether you enjoy it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.