Easy Hoisin Shrimp Recipe
Looking for a fast, flavor-loaded meal that comes together faster than takeout? You’ll fall head over heels for this Easy Hoisin Shrimp! Each juicy shrimp is coated in a sticky-sweet, savory glaze that packs an irresistible punch, with pops of ginger and garlic bringing an Asian-inspired zest to your weeknight dinner routine. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this dish is proof that a handful of good ingredients can transform shrimp into something truly crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Hoisin Shrimp is all in its simplicity. Every ingredient serves a delicious purpose, from fresh ginger’s zing to hoisin sauce’s deep, almost barbecue-like sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each item matters:
- Shrimp: The star protein! Large, peeled, and deveined so they cook quickly and soak up the sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral in flavor, perfect for achieving that quick, high-heat sear without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Garlic: Minced and sautéed to infuse a fragrant depth right from the start.
- Hoisin sauce: The magical ingredient that gives the dish its signature sweet, salty, and smoky character.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami richness and balances the sweetness of the hoisin and honey.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a gentle tang, making each bite pop.
- Honey: Rounds out the acidity and brings everything together with a glossy finish.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for aromatic warmth and a subtle punch.
- Green onions: Sliced for a fresh, slightly peppery crunch right at the end.
- Sesame seeds: For a nutty hint and a pretty garnish that finishes the plate perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Just a sprinkle to enhance every other flavor working in harmony.
- Steamed rice: The ultimate bed for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
How to Make Easy Hoisin Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels, which helps them sear beautifully in the pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides—this step ensures every bite is tasty, even before the sauce goes on.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and freshly grated ginger. Give it all a good whisk so the honey dissolves and everything melds into a rich, glossy sauce that’s ready to coat those shrimp.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly—it should smell amazing and just take the raw edge off without browning.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single even layer. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until pink and opaque. This quick cook time ensures your shrimp stay tender and juicy.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Finish
Pour your hoisin mixture over the hot shrimp. Toss to coat and let everything bubble together for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the sauce thickens slightly and clings deliciously to every piece. Remove the skillet from heat promptly to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Scatter sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for freshness and crunch. Serve immediately over steamed rice, and get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Easy Hoisin Shrimp
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh green onions and sesame seeds adds color, crunch, and a final burst of flavor to your Easy Hoisin Shrimp. For a little zing, add a wedge of lime or a scatter of fresh cilantro—both work beautifully.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a must for soaking up all that delectable sauce. Want more color and veggies on your plate? Try steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or a quick stir-fry of bell peppers and snow peas for a complete, nourishing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, pile the Easy Hoisin Shrimp onto skewers for a stunning appetizer, or serve them in lettuce cups with crunchy veggies for a fun, hand-held twist. Toss the shrimp and sauce with noodles for a flavor-packed bowl that’s dinner-party ready in minutes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Hoisin Shrimp tastes best fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, keep the shrimp and rice separate until you’re ready to reheat.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftover cooked shrimp, the texture may become softer once thawed. If you do freeze, pack the shrimp and sauce (without garnishes) in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month for best results.
Reheating
Gently warm the shrimp and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, just until heated through—avoid high temperatures, which can toughen the shrimp. A splash of water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Easy Hoisin Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before cooking to ensure they sear rather than steam in the pan.
Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you can’t find hoisin, try mixing equal parts barbecue sauce and soy sauce—it won’t be identical but will deliver a similar sweet-salty depth to the dish.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or brown sugar will both work if you need a honey alternative, though each will bring a slightly different sweetness to your Easy Hoisin Shrimp.
How spicy is this dish?
Easy Hoisin Shrimp is more sweet and savory than spicy as-written. If you’d like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha over the finished dish.
Will this recipe work with chicken or tofu?
Definitely! Swap in bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or cubes of firm tofu—just adjust the cooking time as needed so everything is cooked through before adding the sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something speedy, colorful, and totally satisfying, Easy Hoisin Shrimp will become your new go-to. There’s so much to love in every bite, and with easy prep and bold flavors, you might be surprised how often it lands on your table. Give it a try—the compliments are sure to follow!
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Easy Hoisin Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Hoisin Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a sweet and savory hoisin sauce. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
Additional:
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Make Sauce: Whisk hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and ginger in a bowl.
- Cook Shrimp: Sauté garlic in oil, add shrimp, cook until pink. Pour sauce over shrimp, cook until thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice.
Notes
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra veggies.
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey amount.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
