Sesame Ginger Shrimp Marinade Recipe

This sesame ginger shrimp marinade is a delightful choice for grilling or roasting! A blend of ginger, garlic, fish sauce, sesame oil, and honey creates a sweet, sticky glaze that enhances the flavor of the shrimp.

Chef Richard crafted this simple shrimp marinade recipe to be bright, zesty, and slightly spicy. Featuring ginger, fresh lime, fish sauce, and toasted sesame oil, this marinade is a perfect match for shrimp, chicken, tofu, or beef. Marinate the shrimp for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse without overcooking them. Serve the marinated shrimp with coconut rice or cilantro lime rice for a delightful meal.

Key Ingredients

• Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for the best results, as they are less likely to become dry when cooked. Choose fresh shrimp that is firm and has a slightly sweet aroma. Thaw and drain frozen shrimp before marinating.
• Fresh Ginger and Garlic: The warmth of ginger and the depth of garlic enhance the Asian-inspired flavors of the marinade. Fresh ginger and garlic are recommended for the best taste.
• Cilantro and Green Onion: These ingredients add a burst of color and freshness to the dish. Use the white and lighter green parts of the green onion in the marinade and reserve the darker green tops for garnishing the cooked shrimp.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari: Use your preferred option, and if gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free tamari as a substitute for soy sauce.
• Lime: Brighten the flavors with lime juice, adding acidity that enhances the overall taste. Consider serving with an extra lime for added freshness.
• Honey: Post-cooking, honey transforms the marinade into a slightly sticky glaze. Maple syrup can be used as an alternative.
• Fish Sauce: This ingredient lends a savory, umami flavor to the marinade. Opt for a high-quality fish sauce like Red Boat Fish Sauce for the best results.
• Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil imparts a nutty richness and delightful aroma to the marinade.
• Gochujang: A Korean fermented chili paste that adds a mild to moderate heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to suit your preference or substitute with Sriracha for a different flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle tang that elevates the marinade, making it more interesting. Dijon mustard is a versatile ingredient that enhances various marinades.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to Make the Best Shrimp Marinade

Tip 1: Perfect for weeknights. This marinade is quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy evenings. Simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag, add the shrimp, and let it marinate for 30 to 60 minutes. Avoid marinating the shrimp for longer than an hour to prevent overcooking due to the acidic components like lime juice in the marinade.

Extended marination can lead to the shrimp becoming “cooked” in the lime juice, affecting the texture.

Tip 2: Cook with high heat. For optimal results, grill the marinated shrimp on an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan. Alternatively, roast the shrimp in the oven at high heat to caramelize the honey and enhance the flavors.

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