Teriyaki Shrimp and Snap Peas
Highlighted under: International Taste Journey
I absolutely love the bright flavors of this Teriyaki Shrimp and Snap Peas dish! It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender shrimp and crunchy snap peas, all coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, creates an irresistible meal. I’ve made it many times, experimenting with different vegetables, but this classic version remains my favorite. Plus, it's a fantastic way to introduce more veggies into your diet while still satisfying your taste buds.
This Teriyaki Shrimp and Snap Peas recipe started as an attempt to use up some shrimp I had in the freezer, and it turned out to be one of my go-to meals! The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a few quality ingredients come together to create an impressive dinner in under 30 minutes.
I've learned that cooking the shrimp quickly at high heat helps them stay succulent and tender, while the snap peas add a satisfying crunch. If you love a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Savory teriyaki sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp
- A quick and healthy meal ready in under 30 minutes
- Colorful and vibrant dish that looks beautiful on the plate
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh shrimp is key to achieving the best flavor and texture in this Teriyaki Shrimp and Snap Peas dish. Choose large shrimp that are firm and have a mild, briny scent. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw them in advance under cold running water, and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to steaming rather than sautéing.
The snap peas not only add a crisp texture but also a vibrant color that enhances the dish’s visual appeal. When selecting snap peas, look for pods that are bright green and crisp to the touch. If they feel limp or have yellow spots, they might not be at their best. For a fun variation, you can also incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for additional crunch and sweetness.
Perfecting the Cooking Technique
When cooking the shrimp, make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding them. This allows for a nice sear, which helps develop flavor. Cook until the shrimp are just pink and opaque, usually about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on them. If you start seeing a golden edge, you’re on the right track.
For the vegetables, it's essential not to overcrowd the pan; this can trap steam and prevent proper sautéing. Use a large skillet or wok for the quick stir-fry process. The goal is to achieve tender-crisp snap peas, maintaining their bright green color and crunch. Stir them vigorously and only cook until they still retain some snap, about 2-3 minutes.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for your Teriyaki Shrimp and Snap Peas:
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups snap peas, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Prepare the ingredients before moving on to the cooking steps!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your Teriyaki Shrimp and Snap Peas:
Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the snap peas and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
Combine and Serve
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, pour in the teriyaki sauce, and toss everything together until well-coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Pro Tips
- For a touch of freshness, try adding sliced green onions or a sprinkle of lime juice before serving.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to swap out the snap peas for other quick-cooking vegetables such as broccoli florets, zucchini slices, or even thinly sliced bell peppers. Just remember that each vegetable has different cooking times. For example, broccoli may need an extra minute or two to become tender without losing its vibrant color.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute traditional teriyaki sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or a tamari-based product. This will maintain the core flavors of the dish while making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. My favorite gluten-free teriyaki sauce has a similarly balanced sweet and savory profile that mirrors the classic version.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the shrimp and snap peas in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may overcook the shrimp, making them rubbery.
If you're preparing this dish in advance, consider keeping the components separate until you're ready to serve. This way, the shrimp stay juicy and the vegetables remain crisp. You can even prep and refrigerate the teriyaki sauce a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to your meal when it's time to cook.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw the shrimp before cooking, and they will work perfectly!
→ What can I substitute for snap peas?
You can use snow peas or green beans if snap peas are unavailable.
→ Can I make this recipe in advance?
It’s best to enjoy it fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp and veggies ahead of time and stir-fry when ready to serve.
→ Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Teriyaki Shrimp and Snap Peas
I absolutely love the bright flavors of this Teriyaki Shrimp and Snap Peas dish! It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender shrimp and crunchy snap peas, all coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, creates an irresistible meal. I’ve made it many times, experimenting with different vegetables, but this classic version remains my favorite. Plus, it's a fantastic way to introduce more veggies into your diet while still satisfying your taste buds.
Created by: Noah
Recipe Type: International Taste Journey
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups snap peas, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the snap peas and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, pour in the teriyaki sauce, and toss everything together until well-coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Extra Tips
- For a touch of freshness, try adding sliced green onions or a sprinkle of lime juice before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g