What is Sesame Shrimp? A Guide to This Delicious Dish

Sesame shrimp is a popular Chinese-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with a sweet and savory sesame-based sauce. With its punchy flavors and easy preparation, it has become a favorite appetizer and main course in restaurants and home kitchens

In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about sesame shrimp including its key ingredients, variations, and simple preparation steps to make it at home.

An Overview of Sesame Shrimp

Sesame shrimp features tender, perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a thickened sauce infused with toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. It’s sometimes referred to as sesame ginger shrimp due to the prominent ginger flavor.

The shrimp are lightly coated in cornstarch or batter then fried or sauteed to lock in moisture and flavor. They are drizzled or tossed with the quick homemade sesame sauce, allowing the flavors to permeate the shrimp. Finally, sesame seeds and sliced green onions are sprinkled on top as garnish.

The end result is a dish jam-packed with sweet, salty, tangy, savory, and umami flavors in every bite The crisp-tender shrimp pair wonderfully with the rich, velvety sauce Sesame shrimp makes a stellar starter or main served with rice or noodles.

The History and Origins of Sesame Shrimp

Like many Chinese-American dishes, sesame shrimp has murky origins. It likely emerged in the 1950s or 60s in American Chinese restaurants as they adapted their menus to appeal to American tastes.

The sweet, sticky sauce was a riff on traditional Cantonese cuisine using ingredients easily sourced stateside. Sesame chicken emerged around the same time using the same beloved sauce.

The shrimp version quickly became popular for the contrast of the succulent seafood against the bold sesame flavors. Crisp batter or cornstarch coating provided textural appeal.

Over the decades, sesame shrimp has evolved into a classic that still retains immense popularity today. It appears on menus from casual eateries to upscale fusion restaurants.

Sesame Shrimp Ingredients

Sesame shrimp balances the key flavors of sweet, salty, pungent, tangy, and umami. Here are the main ingredients that create its signature sauce:

• Toasted sesame oil – Provides rich, nutty flavor and aroma. Use high-quality oil.

• Soy sauce – Provides saltiness and savory umami notes. Low sodium soy works well.

• Rice vinegar – Adds mild acidity to brighten flavors. White wine vinegar also works.

• Garlic and ginger – Pungent aromatics that balance sweetness. Use grated fresh garlic and ginger.

• Honey or brown sugar – Adds body and sweetness to the sauce. Maple syrup also works.

• Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it nicely coats the shrimp. Arrowroot is a good gluten-free sub.

• Sesame seeds – Sprinkled on top for nutty crunch. Black or white seeds work great.

High quality ingredients are key, as they really shine in this easy dish. Fresh produce and seafood make a notable difference.

Common Variations of Sesame Shrimp

This popular dish has spawned many tasty renditions:

• Use coconut oil for cooking instead of vegetable or peanut oil

• Swap in cashew butter for peanut butter for a milder nutty flavor

• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for spicy sesame shrimp

• Use almond butter in the sauce for a nutty twist

• Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onion, carrot ribbons or toasted coconut

• For crunch, coat shrimp in panko breadcrumbs before frying

• Serve shrimp over steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles

• Skewer sesame shrimp for easy appetizers or kebabs

The basic formula is very adaptable, so get creative with ingredients and cooking methods. Pan-frying is most common, but the shrimp can also be broiled, baked or grilled.

How to Make Sesame Shrimp at Home

Part of sesame shrimp’s appeal lies in how quickly it comes together. Follow these simple steps:

1. Make the sauce

Whisk together all sauce ingredients – soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, honey, and cornstarch.

2. Cook the shrimp

Toss shrimp with cornstarch to lightly coat. Pan fry over high heat for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly charred.

3. Finish cooking

Add the sauce to the pan and let bubble. Toss shrimp to coat and finish cooking for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are opaque.

4. Garnish and serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy immediately with rice or veggies!

With some basic ingredients and 20 minutes, you can enjoy restaurant-quality sesame shrimp right at home. Let’s dive deeper into the process.

Detailed Instructions for Making Perfect Sesame Shrimp

Follow these step-by-step instructions for tender shrimp bathed in the most crave-worthy sesame sauce:

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger. Whisk well until smooth and set aside.

2. Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and toss with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps them crisp up when cooking.

3. Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Swirl in the neutral cooking oil to coat the pan. When the oil shimmers, add the shrimp in an even layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly charred. The shrimp will finish cooking later. Transfer the partially cooked shrimp to a clean bowl.

4. Finish cooking: Give the sauce a final stir and pour it into the hot pan. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 1 minute. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are opaque and the sauce nicely clings to them.

5. Garnish and serve: Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the sesame shrimp immediately while hot, alongside steamed rice or vegetables.

And that’s it – restaurant-worthy sesame shrimp in about 20 minutes! The key is high-heat cooking for plump, sear-kissed shrimp, and an easy from-scratch sauce that packs a flavor punch.

Tips for Making the Best Sesame Shrimp

Here are some handy tips and tricks for guaranteed success:

• Pat shrimp very dry so the cornstarch coating adheres and crisps up

• Use fresh garlic and ginger – jarred products won’t cut it for this recipe

• Cook shrimp at high heat to sear and lock in juices

• Let sauce thicken for 1 minute before adding shrimp to coat properly

• Toss shrimp in the sauce right before serving to avoid overcooking

• Adjust sauce ingredients to taste – add more vinegar for tang or honey for sweetness

• Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture

With practice, you’ll nail perfectly cooked shrimp and the ideal sauce consistency each time.

How to Serve Sesame Shrimp

Sesame shrimp is very versatile – serve it as:

• An appetizer for 2-4 people

• A main dish with rice or noodles

• In lettuce wraps or stuffed in mushrooms

• Alongside a Asian-inspired salad

• On top of stir-fried veggies like bok choy or broccoli

• In a bowl with cauliflower rice and kimchi

• As a protein topping for Buddha bowls or grain bowls

• On top of zucchini noodle stir-fries (zoodles)

• As a filling for spring rolls or potstickers

Get creative with plating and accompaniments! Sesame shrimp pairs well with both Asian and American flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Sesame Shrimp

Some tasty sides that complement sesame shrimp wonderfully include:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice

• Lo mein or ramen noodles

• Sesame soba noodle salad

• Sauteed snap peas with garlic

• Quick kimchi or pickled vegetables

• Bok choy and shi