Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp is a delicious and easy dish! Juicy shrimp are marinated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer cookouts!
Who can resist shrimp with that sticky, tasty glaze? I love serving it over rice or tossing it into a salad for a yummy meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for better texture on the grill. If shrimp isn’t available, you can substitute with chicken or firm tofu. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly!
Soy Sauce: This is essential for that umami flavor. For gluten-free options, try tamari or coconut aminos instead. For a lower sodium version, look for low-sodium soy sauce.
Mirin: It provides sweetness and depth. If you don’t have mirin, rice vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar can work in a pinch! Just keep an eye on the sweetness.
Sake: It’s optional but can enhance the flavor. Substitute with dry white wine or omit it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Vegetable Oil: This oil is used for grilling, but any high smoke point oil like canola or grapeseed oil is great too. I often use olive oil for a bit of extra flavor, though be careful of its smoke point.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Grilled Shrimp?
Grilling shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; this helps them cook evenly and prevents steaming.
- Make sure the grill is preheated and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill each side for just 2-3 minutes or until they turn opaque and charred. Overcooking leads to rubbery shrimp.
- Remember to baste with the reserved teriyaki sauce while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.
How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 15-20 minutes for marinating the shrimp. After that, grilling should take around 6-8 minutes. Total time is about 30-35 minutes, making it a quick and tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
Start by mixing the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to thicken slightly. Once done, remove from heat and whisk in the sesame oil. Let this sauce cool down while you prepare the shrimp.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a bowl or shallow dish, add your peeled and deveined shrimp. Pour half of the cooled teriyaki sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat them well. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This helps infuse delicious flavors into the shrimp!
3. Preheat Your Grill:
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill with vegetable oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
4. Skewer the Shrimp:
After marinating, take the shrimp and thread them onto your soaked bamboo skewers—about 4-5 shrimp per skewer should work well. Make sure they are close together but not overcrowded.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Now, it’s time to grill! Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remember to baste them occasionally with the reserved teriyaki sauce to keep them moist and flavorful. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and have a slight char.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once grilled, carefully remove the shrimps from the grill and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle any leftover teriyaki sauce over them for extra flavor. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and add chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh finish.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your grilled teriyaki shrimp right away as a delicious appetizer or over rice for a satisfying main dish. Enjoy the incredible flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or submerging them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Can I Make the Teriyaki Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can! The teriyaki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
What Can I Serve with Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it as an appetizer at a barbecue or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover grilled shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough.
