Sesame Shrimp

Inspired by your favorite take-out dish, this easy Sesame Shrimp is wholesome, easy to make, and bursting with bright and savory flavors. Serve them with rice and veggies for a complete meal that guarantees to please on any occasion.

If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, you’re going to love this Asian-inspired recipe for Sesame Shrimp. This dish is made with vibrant and delicious flavors like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and lime juice, all rolled into one mouthwatering dish. Lovers of Sesame Chicken or Beef, will love this dish.

I’m a big fan of healthier (and cheaper!) alternatives to classic take-out dishes, from ground beef lettuce wraps to Moo Shu veggie stir fry and everything in between. This tasty shrimp dish joins this list. They are easy to make, loaded with nutrients, and bursting with flavor.

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Whether you’re looking for easy lunch meal preps to bring to work or healthy weeknight recipes for family dinners, these bowls do not disappoint. Not only do I love them, but my kids love them too, which makes this recipe a huge win in my book.

This Asian-inspired recipe is the ideal way to get your take-out fix without spending a ton of money or loading up on artificial sugars and additives. Serve it alongside a bowl of rice for easy shrimp and rice bowls. Then add your favorite veggies for a delicious and healthy meal that is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients and Easy Swaps

To make these delicious bowls, you will need the following key ingredients:

• Shrimp: I use small shrimp in this dish because they’re easier to pick up and eat with chopsticks, but you can use any size you like. If using frozen, make sure to let the shrimp thaw completely before cooking them.
• Soy sauce: I prefer to use low sodium soy sauce, but you can use whichever kind you like. For a gluten-free version, try using tamari instead. For a paleo option, use coconut aminos.
• Sesame oil: This is a key ingredient for any sesame sauce. It’s what gives the dish that delicious sesame flavor and as a bonus, it’s loaded with antioxidants.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient serves a dual purpose. It helps to protect the shrimp from high heat, working to ensure that it doesn’t overcook. It also helps the rest of the sesame sauce ingredients stick to the shrimp, making sure they are as flavorful as possible.
• Lime juice: This brightens up the whole dish and enhances the rich flavors of the rest of our ingredients, making it extra delicious. Make sure to keep a few lime wedges for garnishing at the end.
• Aromatics: Freshly grated garlic and ginger add a ton of flavor to this dish. You can use the powder forms of both if needed, but I highly recommend using fresh if possible.

Recipe Variations

Here are some of my favorite ways to switch up this recipe:

• Use a different protein. Not a fan of shrimp or simply want to try something else? Feel free to swap it out for lean ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, cubed chicken breast, or tofu.
• Add more veggies. You can add any veggies you like to these bowls. Some of my favorite options include green onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and edamame.
• Make it grain-free. Instead of serving this dish with rice, try serving it with cauliflower rice or a bed of greens like spinach or kale. You still get all the great flavors, but without all the carbs.
• Make it gluten-free. To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari.
• Add a little spice. If you’re looking for ways to add a bit of a kick to this dish, try adding one of the following: crushed red pepper, sambal olek, or sriracha.

How to Store Sesame Shrimp

I love making this recipe as a healthy meal prep to enjoy throughout the week. When I make them for the family for dinner, I always make sure to make extras.

You can serve them all week long with rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even over a bed of greens as a delicious salad. They make a delicious Asian Rice Bowl.

To store Sesame Shrimp, make sure you first allow them to cool down to room temperature. Once the shrimp have cooled, you can transfer them into an airtight storage container and store them in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this dish:

What is sesame sauce made of?

While recipes for sesame sauce can vary, they all feature a few of the same key ingredients. Soy sauce, sesame oil, aromatics like garlic and ginger, and some form of acid are used in almost every sesame sauce recipe. In this case, we use lime juice as our acid source.

What can I use instead of shrimp?

For a version of this dish that is free of shellfish, there are plenty of options for protein sources you can use in place of shrimp. Some of my favorite choices include cubed chicken breast, ground turkey, and lean ground beef. For a vegan-friendly option, try using cubed tofu.

Can you freeze this dish?

Yes! Sesame shrimp can easily be frozen once it’s cooked. Make sure to let the shrimp cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight storage bag or container. Once stored properly, you can safely freeze the dish for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating it on the stove.

More Tasty Asian Shrimp Recipes

If you liked this healthy seafood dish, try these next:

• Kung Pao Shrimp
• Thai Basil Shrimp
• Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice
• Honey Garlic Shrimp
• Coconut Curry Shrimp