After a long week of work, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of whipping up a restaurant-quality meal right at home. That’s where my Classic Hibachi Shrimp comes in, transforming an ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. The moment the shrimp hit the sizzling hot skillet, the air fills with the irresistible aroma of caramelized garlic and a hint of soy sauce, instantly transporting you to a lively hibachi grill.
In just 22 quick minutes, you’ll be savoring tender, perfectly seared shrimp tossed in a creamy sriracha sauce that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and spicy. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies cravings and impresses guests, all while being incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just indulging yourself, this easy recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the flavors and make tonight’s dinner a delightful hibachi adventure!
Why is Classic Hibachi Shrimp a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 22 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Restaurant-Style Flavor: Enjoy that coveted hibachi flavor right at home, thanks to the savory soy sauce and creamy sriracha.
Tender, Juicy Shrimp: The cooking technique ensures your shrimp are perfectly seared, offering a delightful bite that is both satisfying and delicious.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it over steamed rice or sautéed veggies, creating a balanced meal that works for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress family and friends with this dish’s vibrant flavors, making it a fantastic choice for dinners or gatherings!
Classic Hibachi Shrimp Ingredients
• Whip up this delectable meal with fresh ingredients that speak to your taste buds!
For the Shrimp
- Shrimp – 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined; choose medium to large size (31-40 or 21-30 count) for best results.
- Garlic Powder – 0.5 tsp; adds aromatic flavor to your shrimp.
For Cooking
- Avocado Oil – 2.5 tbsp; this oil has a high smoke point, perfect for achieving that beautiful sear.
- Soy Sauce – 3 tsp; enhances the umami flavor of the dish, bringing that classic hibachi taste to your home.
For the Sauce
- Mayonnaise – 1/4 cup; use Hellmann’s for creamy richness as the base of your sauce.
- Sriracha – 1 tsp; a dash of heat that elevates the flavor profile.
- Sugar – 1.5 tsp; aids in caramelization and balances the sauce’s savory notes.
- Rice Vinegar – 2 tsp; provides brightness and acidity to the creamy sauce.
- Sesame Oil – 0.5 tsp; gives an authentic touch of Asian flavor to your dish.
For Serving
- Lemon Wedge – 1; fresh juice brightens the dish and adds a lovely acidity.
How to Make Classic Hibachi Shrimp
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Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set it aside at room temperature to meld the flavors.
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Cook Shrimp: Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Pat the shrimp dry and season them with garlic powder and sugar for extra flavor.
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Sear Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot oil; allow them to cook for about 2 minutes without moving. Flip the shrimp, drizzle with soy sauce, and squeeze the lemon juice over them for added brightness.
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Finish Cooking: Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the shrimp turn opaque and delightfully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them!
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Serve: Transfer the hibachi shrimp to plates, or serve them over a bed of steamed rice and vibrant vegetables. Drizzle with the creamy sriracha sauce or serve it on the side as a dipping option.
Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Classic Hibachi Shrimp
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to extend storage, you can freeze cooked hibachi shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet; once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Thawing: To enjoy your frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking; this will help retain the shrimp’s tender texture and delicious flavor.
Classic Hibachi Shrimp Variations
Get creative with your hibachi shrimp by trying these delicious twists that will take your meal to new heights!
- Greek Yogurt: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy sauce that still delivers creaminess.
- Chicken or Tofu: Use diced chicken breast or firm tofu instead of shrimp for a versatile protein that pairs well with the sauce.
- Spicy Mayo: Mix in extra sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for those who crave more heat! It’ll kick up the flavor profile passionately.
- Coconut Aminos: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option that offers a slight sweetness.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh chives, cilantro, or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish that brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the sauce for an extra burst of citrus flavor that elevates the overall taste. The brightness can be truly invigorating!
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Vegetable Options: Toss in vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli while cooking the shrimp for added nutrition and texture that enhances the dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Classic Hibachi Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the creamy sriracha sauce up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful. For an even quicker meal, season the shrimp with garlic powder and sugar, then refrigerate them for up to 3 days before cooking. When ready to enjoy, simply heat the avocado oil in a skillet, cook the marinated shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until perfectly seared, and drizzle with the prepared sauce. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze while ensuring that every bite is just as delicious as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Classic Hibachi Shrimp?
Elevate your hibachi shrimp feast with delightful sides and drinks that perfectly complement this flavorful dish.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice:
Fluffy and aromatic, this rice acts as the perfect canvas for soaking up the creamy sriracha sauce. -
Sautéed Vegetables:
A colorful mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots offers a fresh crunch against the tender shrimp. -
Cucumber Salad:
Light and refreshing, this salad adds a crisp contrast and balance to the rich flavors in the dish. -
Fried Rice:
The savory, seasoned rice captures that classic hibachi essence, enhancing the overall dining experience. -
Garlic Butter Noodles:
Rich noodles coated in garlicky goodness provide a comforting, satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the shrimp. -
Chilled Sake or White Wine:
Both options add a delicate touch to the meal. Sake complements the Asian flavors, while a crisp white wine refreshes the palate. -
Mango Sorbet:
For a sweet ending, this light dessert offers a fruity brightness that cleanses the palate after the spicy shrimp.
Expert Tips for Classic Hibachi Shrimp
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Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your shrimp; they should be pink and opaque after about 3-4 minutes. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp.
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Use High Heat: Ensure your skillet is preheated with avocado oil until shimmering to achieve that perfect sear instead of steaming the shrimp.
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Dry Before Seasoning: Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning with garlic powder and sugar. This helps achieve better browning and enhances the final texture.
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Proper Sauce Consistency: Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly until smooth; this ensures that every bite is creamy and flavorful.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the sriracha level based on your spice preference. A touch more sriracha can turn the dish into a spicy delight!
Classic Hibachi Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I choose for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, select medium to large shrimp (sizes 31-40 or 21-30 count), ensuring they’re peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp yield a better texture, but if you’re using frozen shrimp, just remember to thaw them completely before cooking.
How do I store leftover hibachi shrimp?
Very simple! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the shrimp cool to room temperature before sealing to maintain their flavor and consistency.
Can I freeze cooked hibachi shrimp?
Yes! To freeze, place the cooked hibachi shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. This method prevents them from sticking together, making it easy to take out exactly what you need later.
What should I do if my shrimp turn out rubbery?
If your shrimp are rubbery, they may have been overcooked. To avoid this in the future, pay close attention to the cooking time. Shrimp should be cooked for just 3-4 minutes, until they become pink and opaque. Remember, they continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the heat, so aim for pulling them off just a tad before they look fully cooked.
Can I use a different oil for cooking?
If you don’t have avocado oil on hand, you can definitely substitute it with another high smoke point oil like canola or grapeseed oil. The key is to ensure the oil can withstand high heat without burning, which helps in achieving that perfect sear on the shrimp.
Is this recipe suitable for those with allergies?
If you’re concerned about allergies, be cautious with ingredients like soy sauce, which contains gluten. You can substitute with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, the creamy sauce can be made dairy-free by swapping mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, ensuring you can enjoy the dish while keeping everyone’s dietary needs in mind.
Classic Hibachi Shrimp in Minutes with Creamy Sriracha Sauce
Equipment
- - Skillet
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined choose medium to large size (31-40 or 21-30 count)
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder adds aromatic flavor
For Cooking
- 2.5 tbsp avocado oil high smoke point for a beautiful sear
- 3 tsp soy sauce enhances umami flavor
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise use Hellmann's for creamy richness
- 1 tsp sriracha adds heat
- 1.5 tsp sugar aids in caramelization
- 2 tsp rice vinegar provides brightness
- 0.5 tsp sesame oil adds Asian flavor
For Serving
- 1 lemon wedge fresh juice brightens the dish
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set it aside at room temperature to meld the flavors.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Pat the shrimp dry and season them with garlic powder and sugar.
- Sear Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot oil; cook for about 2 minutes without moving. Flip the shrimp, drizzle with soy sauce, and squeeze lemon juice over them.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until shrimp turn opaque. Be careful not to overcook!
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp to plates, over steamed rice or vibrant vegetables. Drizzle with the creamy sriracha sauce.