become perfect sautéed shrimp every time with this simple and foolproof step-by-step tutorial how to sear shrimp on the stove!
This sautéed shrimp recipe features the most delicious marinade and roasted spices. It’s a quick and healthy seafood option that can be prepared on the stovetop.
The best way to sauté shrimp
This sautéed shrimp recipe is our favorite shrimp recipe. We literally made this recipe 2-3 times a month but with different flavors and ingredients. One thing that never changes is the method.
The method for this shrimp recipe was inspired by a chef’s illustrated recipe of sautéing shrimp in a pan after marinating. You start by searing the shrimp in a cold pan and then tossing the shrimp in toasted spices. you can’t beat it
For this particular sautéed shrimp recipe, we use dried spices like ginger and garlic and some delicious garlic paste in the marinade.
why we love this sautéed shrimp recipe
- This recipe leaves perfectly cooked shrimp every time.
- We love the flavors of this recipe paired with fresh herbs and hints of sesame.
- These sautéed shrimp are ready in under 30 minutes.
Best shrimp for frying
What is the best shrimp for stovetop frying? We recommend uncooked king prawns. If possible, buy it already deveined and peeled for easier preparation. We’ve found the best luck going straight to the butcher for the best quality shrimp.
If you can’t find it fresh, feel free to buy it frozen. This recipe works for any size shrimp, but we recommend large or jumbo.
Ingredients you need for sautéed shrimp
- Shrimp: We strongly recommend purchasing high quality jumbo shrimp. This usually means you can find shrimp in the deli or frozen section that hasn’t been shelled. Target just got our favorite jumbo shrimp. You can find them in the freezer section.
- Olive oil: You marinate the shrimp in some oil, sugar and garlic.
- granulated sugar: The sugar will help brown the shrimp as they pan sauté.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the shrimp a delicious flavor.
- Spices (garlic granules, ground ginger, kosher salt): This combination of flavors crusts the shrimp and adds that amazing flavor to the pan.
- Garlic Chili Sauce + Soy sauce: They top off the recipe with some chili sauce and soy sauce to add some spiciness.
Fresh and simple garnish idea
One of the best parts of this recipe is the fresh herbs you add to the cooked shrimp. It really makes the recipe stand out. All of the ingredients listed below make the perfect garnish for this shrimp recipe.
- coriander
- Green Onion
- Sesame seeds
- lime juice (fresh lemon juice works too)
More ingredient combinations
There are so many flavor combinations you can use in this style of sautéed shrimp. This recipe is a combination of Asian flavors, but the sky is the limit. Below are other fun flavor combinations you can use.
- Garlic powder + dried thyme and then tossed with feta crumbles, fresh parsley and pistachios.
- Italian seasoning + salt and then tossed with fresh mozzarella and basil
- Chili powder + paprika + salt and then tossed with cheddar cheese and scallions
- Cumin, paprika + salt and then tossed with sliced cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh spinach
How to sauté shrimp
- Measure ingredients: This recipe moves very quickly. Make sure your shrimp are deveined and peeled, spices measured, and herbs stocked. It’s also important that you pat the shrimp dry to remove excess water from the shrimp.
- Marinate shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl and mix with the oil, sugar and garlic powder. Let them sit for 15 minutes.
- Fry shrimp: This is the most important part! Start with a cold large skillet. Place the shrimp in the pan. Turn the heat down to medium and let the shrimp sauté for just 4 minutes and 4 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and then quickly flip the shrimp and leave the shrimp in the pan for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Toast Spices: Add the ginger, garlic, and salt to the pan and toast the spices over medium-high heat until fragrant. Remove the pan from the pan, then add the shrimp to the pan. Mix the shrimp with the spices. Add the soy sauce and garlic sauce to the shrimp and toss.
- Toss with fresh ingredients: Finally add the coriander, spring onion and sesame seeds to the pan and mix the ingredients together.
- Enjoy: Enjoy the shrimp over rice or on their own.
Add some more spice by adding red pepper flakes,
What to serve with sautéed shrimp
There are so many different side dishes that you can make together with these shrimp. Below are some great side dish options.
Dipping sauce ideas
Other ways to cook shrimp
We love this simmered shrimp recipe, but if you’re looking for more ways to cook shrimp, we’ve got you covered there too.
Grilled Shrimp– Get perfectly grilled shrimp every time with this easy and foolproof step-by-step guide to grilling shrimp!
crab salad– Eat the rainbow with this healthy shrimp salad that’s packed with fresh ingredients, perfectly sautéed shrimp and a creamy dressing (no mayonnaise!). Enjoy!
Shrimp Noodles– How to make shrimp scampi you ask? It’s easy! This Asparagus Shrimp Scampi recipe will absolutely blow your mind because it’s made with tons of veggies, fresh shrimp, and a delicious olive oil and butter sauce with a squeeze of lemon
Fried shrimp– This fried shrimp recipe is the easiest way to make perfectly juicy and crispy shrimp! Flavored with Cajun spice and served with a heavenly honey and butter sauce.
Prawns with Garlic Butter– These 5 ingredients Garlic Butter Shrimp is ready in 10 minutes! With the perfect garlic and butter flavor, this shrimp spices up any occasion. Enjoy!
Big Jones
Cast iron pan
The Great Jones King Sear is our favorite cast iron skillet. Definitely worth adding to your kitchen collection!
buy now
Frequently asked questions about shrimp
There are so many ways to flavor shrimp for this recipe or other recipes. Try our Easy Shrimp Marinade for a flavorful marinade. If you’re looking for other delicious recipes, we’re happy to use our Cajun Seasoning for our Cajun Shrimp Recipe. It is so good.
We highly recommend marinating shrimp before serving.
It all depends on how you eat shrimp. We recommend boiling shrimp for a shrimp cocktail. If you’re eating shrimp in pasta or over grits, we recommend sautéing the shrimp.
Again, it all depends on how you cook your shrimp. We love shrimp with lemon garlic sauce for pasta. When we cook shrimp, we love a simple cocktail sauce. The sky is the limit.
