Shrimp Teriyaki Recipe

Prepare Shrimp

Rinse shrimp under cold water, pat dry with paper towels. If tails are on and you prefer them off, remove tails. Make 3 small shallow slits on the inner curve of each shrimp to keep them from curling when cooking (optional).

Lightly toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 tablespoon sake and 1 teaspoon sugar in a bowl. Marinate for 10–15 minutes at room temperature (no longer than 30 minutes) to season the shrimp. Do not over-marinate or the alcohol will affect texture.

Combine 4 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, 2 tablespoons sake and 2 tablespoons brown sugar in a small saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger and 1 teaspoon minced garlic.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring so the sugar dissolves.

Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 30–60 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly to a glossy, pourable consistency. Remove from heat and set aside. If you prefer a thinner sauce, omit or halve the cornstarch.

Heat a large nonstick skillet or stainless-steel pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat.

Shake excess marinade off shrimp and add shrimp to the pan in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook without moving for 1 minute to get color, then flip and cook another 1 minute. Shrimp cook quickly—total 2–3 minutes depending on size—until opaque and just curled.

Lower heat to medium-low. Pour about half of the prepared teriyaki sauce into the pan with the shrimp and toss or spoon to coat, cooking 30–60 seconds so the sauce clings and glazes the shrimp. If you want a shinier finish, stir in 1 teaspoon butter at the end and swirl until melted.

Turn off the heat. Transfer shrimp to a serving plate. Spoon any remaining sauce over the shrimp.

Garnish with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons sliced scallions. Serve immediately with lemon or lime wedges if desired. Suggested accompaniments: steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.