How to Make the Perfect Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp

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Introduction

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll know how satisfying a well-cooked shrimp dish can be. But what if we told you that you could elevate that dish with a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors? Introducing Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp, a mouthwatering recipe that combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful glaze that packs a punch. This dish is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with just the right amount of savory goodness to complement the shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make the perfect Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp step by step, share some helpful tips, and explore everything you need to know to master this dish.

What is this recipe?

Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp is a delightful dish where shrimp is coated in a vibrant, tangy glaze made from a mix of ingredients like pineapple, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. The sweet and sour sauce is thickened to coat the shrimp perfectly, creating a bold, irresistible flavor profile. This dish is perfect as a quick dinner or as part of a larger meal, and it pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables.

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Essential Ingredients:

To create the perfect Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp, you’ll need the following essential ingredients:

1. Shrimp – The star of the dish! Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp works best for this recipe.
2. Pineapple Juice – The sweet, tangy base of the glaze.
3. Soy Sauce – Adds saltiness and depth to balance the sweetness.
4. Rice Vinegar – This vinegar adds the tangy acidity necessary to create that sweet and sour balance.
5. Sugar or Honey – Sweetness is key to balancing the sour notes in the glaze.
6. Cornstarch – To thicken the sauce and give it that perfect glossy finish.
7. Garlic – Adds an aromatic base flavor that complements the glaze.
8. Sesame Oil – Optional, but adds a nice nutty flavor if you want to give the dish an Asian-inspired twist.
9. Bell Peppers – Optional for adding a fresh crunch and color to the dish.

Alternative Ingredients:

If you’re looking to mix things up or make substitutions, here are some alternative ingredients you can use:

1. Shrimp Alternatives – You can replace shrimp with other seafood like scallops or even chicken if you prefer.
2. Fruit Alternatives – If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or a mix of lemon and sugar for a different citrus flavor.
3. Sweeteners – If you don’t have honey or sugar, you can try maple syrup, agave, or stevia for a lower-calorie version.
4. Soy Sauce Alternatives – If you need a gluten-free or low-sodium option, you can use tamari sauce or coconut aminos.
5. Vinegar Substitutes – If rice vinegar isn’t available, apple cider vinegar works as a good replacement.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Yield: 4 servings

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Key Features:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors in the glaze creates an incredibly flavorful dish.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and sourness based on your preferences, adding more honey for sweetness or extra vinegar for tang.
• Healthy Option: Shrimp is a low-calorie protein, and by using a minimal amount of oil and sugar, this recipe is both healthy and delicious.

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Nutrition Facts:

Per Serving (1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg

Note: These values may vary based on the size of the shrimp and specific ingredients used.

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Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Start by rinsing the shrimp and patting them dry with a paper towel. This helps the glaze stick to the shrimp and prevents excess water from splattering during cooking.
2. Make the Sweet and Sour Glaze:
   In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar (or honey), garlic, and a splash of sesame oil. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in a little bit of water to create a slurry. Add this to the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. The sauce should thicken and become glossy.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
   While the glaze is thickening, heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
5. Coat the Shrimp:
   Once the shrimp is cooked, pour the sweet and sour glaze over them. Toss the shrimp in the glaze, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6. Serve:
   Remove from heat and serve immediately. You can garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or even bell pepper slices for a colorful, crunchy finish.

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Pro Tips for a Perfect Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp:

• Do not overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cooks very quickly, and overcooking can make them tough. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque.
• Customize the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey or sugar. For an extra tang, feel free to splash in a bit more vinegar!.
• Use fresh ingredients. Fresh pineapple juice will add more vibrant flavor to the sauce than canned versions.
• Serve immediately. This dish is best when served fresh as the glaze may lose its shine and become absorbed into the shrimp if left to sit.

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Why You’ll Love this Recipe?

This Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp recipe is a winner because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors, with the added complexity of tang from the vinegar. The shrimp is tender, succulent, and coated in a glossy, flavorful glaze that enhances the taste of each bite. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy shrimp that can impress even the pickiest eaters.

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What Makes this Recipe Unique?

The uniqueness of this recipe lies in its simple yet vibrant flavors. While many sweet and sour dishes tend to be overly tangy or too sweet, this recipe achieves the perfect harmony between the two. Additionally, the use of garlic and sesame oil gives the dish an added depth of flavor that makes it stand out from other shrimp dishes. It’s a twist on a classic flavor combination that is both familiar and exciting.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it possible to use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Yes! Be sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking to achieve the best results.

2. Is it possible to prepare the sweet and sour sauce in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before using.

3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, and snap peas are great additions to this recipe.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe is gluten-free.

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You’ll Also Love:

• Honey Garlic Shrimp
• Crispy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
• Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp is a simple yet extraordinary dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe delivers. With the right balance of flavors, fresh ingredients, and a simple step-by-step guide, you’ll have a delicious shrimp dish ready in no time. Don’t forget to try it out, and let us know how it turns out!

Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique take on this Recipe!