Name: Sticky Garlic Sesame Shrimp Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound medium uncooked shrimp (peeled & deveined); 1 tablespoon avocado oil (divided); 1 teaspoon salt (divided); 1/2 teaspoon pepper (divided); 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce/coconut aminos); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional); 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (plus more for topping); 2 cups shelled edamame; 2 cups cooked rice; 2 medium carrots (shredded or shaved); 1 cucumber (sliced or diced); 1 green onion stalk (chopped, for garnish)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 5 reviews

If you are craving a dinner that bursts with sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, you have to try this Sticky Garlic Sesame Shrimp Bowls Recipe. It combines tender, juicy shrimp coated in a glossy, sticky garlic and sesame glaze with fresh, crisp vegetables and fluffy rice, making every bite a delightful balance of textures and tastes. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl in the center holds peeled shrimp with a light pink and white color and a soft texture. Around the bowl are smaller white bowls and measuring spoons with various ingredients: a beige bowl with light brown minced garlic at the top, a small white bowl with white cornstarch, a gold measuring spoon with beige sesame seeds, and another gold measuring spoon with dark red tomato paste. Nearby are a glass jar with dark brown tamari sauce, a white bowl with green edamame beans, a gold measuring spoon with golden sesame oil, and a small glass bowl with light yellow avocado oil. Fresh vegetables include two bright orange carrots, a green cucumber, and a green onion with white base and green stalk. At the bottom right, there is a blue and white bag of jasmine rice. All items are on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might be simple, but each plays a vital role in creating the mouthwatering harmony that makes this dish shine. From the perfectly cooked shrimp to the vibrant veggies and the luscious sauce, every component adds a layer of flavor, color, and texture that will keep you coming back for more.

1 pound medium uncooked shrimp (peeled & deveined): The star protein, providing a tender and satisfying bite.
1 Tablespoon avocado oil: A neutral oil that’s great for searing shrimp without overpowering flavors.
1 teaspoon salt (divided): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon pepper (divided): Adds a subtle kick and depth.
1/4 cup honey: Gives the sauce its signature sticky sweetness.
1 Tablespoon tomato paste: Deepens the umami and adds a rich color.
1 Tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce/coconut aminos): Brings salty, savory notes and complexity.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses that unmistakable, toasty sesame aroma.
1 Tablespoon minced garlic: Delivers fragrant pungency and flavor that complement the shrimp perfectly.
1 teaspoon minced ginger: Adds warmth and slight zing to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional): For those who love a bit of heat.
1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to that satisfying sticky texture.
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds (plus more for topping): Adds crunch and enhances the sesame flavor.
1/2 Tablespoon avocado oil (for edamame): To lightly sauté edamame, making it tender yet vibrant.
2 cups shelled edamame: Provides a fresh, green pop of protein and texture.
2 cups cooked rice: The perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
2 medium carrots (shredded or shaved): Adds bright color and subtle sweetness.
1 cucumber (sliced or diced): Offers a refreshing crunch to balance the savory shrimp.
1 green onion stalk (chopped for garnish): Finishes the dish with a mild onion flavor and freshness.

How to Make Sticky Garlic Sesame Shrimp Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Thaw and Rinse Shrimp

Begin by thawing your shrimp if frozen, then give them a quick rinse under cold water. This ensures they’re clean and ready to absorb the bold flavors of the marinade and sauce.

Step 2: Mix Salt and Pepper

In a small bowl, combine the salt and pepper together. This simple seasoning blend will enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor and season the edamame later, so set it aside for now.

Step 3: Heat Oil and Cook Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright pink and the tails curl. Sprinkle half of the salt and pepper mixture over the shrimp as they cook for perfect seasoning.

Step 4: Remove Shrimp and Drain Pan

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and pour off any excess water that collected in the pan to ensure your sauce thickens nicely without getting watery.

Step 5: Whisk Sauce Ingredients Together

While the shrimp rest, whisk together honey, tomato paste, tamari, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, crushed red pepper (if using), and cornstarch in a bowl. This luscious mixture will form the sticky, flavorful glaze that defines this recipe.

Step 6: Thicken Sauce in the Pan

Pour your sauce blend into the now-empty skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky consistency. Then, turn off the heat to prevent burning.

Step 7: Combine and Coat Shrimp

Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan with the thickened sauce. Stir together for another 1 to 2 minutes so every shrimp is generously coated in that irresistible sticky glaze.

Step 8: Sauté Edamame

In a separate small pan, warm 1/2 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat. Add the shelled edamame and the remaining salt and pepper. Sauté the edamame for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender but still bright green and slightly crisp.

Step 9: Assemble Your Bowls

Time for the fun part! Build your bowls starting with a base of cooked rice. Then add the sautéed edamame, fresh shredded carrots, crisp cucumber slices, and finally, pile on those luscious sticky garlic sesame shrimp. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onion for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Sticky Garlic Sesame Shrimp Bowls Recipe

A close-up view of cooked shrimp in a shiny, thick brown sauce with visible small bits of garlic and pepper. The shrimp are light pink with orange lines and slightly curled, scattered evenly in the sauce. The dish is in a white pan with some sauce smeared on the edge. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your Sticky Garlic Sesame Shrimp Bowls Recipe is key to elevating its appeal and flavor. Besides the chopped green onions and extra sesame seeds, feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted nori flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness. These finishing touches add visual interest and a fresh burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, pair these bowls with light and crunchy sides like a simple miso soup or a crisp Asian slaw dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. These options complement the shrimp’s rich sauce without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress at your next dinner party, serve the shrimp bowls in colorful or rustic bowls to highlight the vibrant ingredients. You can also offer small bowls of extra sauce on the side for dipping, or turn the recipe into lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Sticky Garlic Sesame Shrimp Bowls Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the shrimp and vegetables in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and keep the rice separate if you prefer it not to get soggy.

Freezing

Freezing is less ideal for this recipe because the fresh vegetables can lose their texture, but you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce portion for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through, then add any sautéed veggies back in. Microwave reheating works too, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp or they’ll become rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp directly without thawing?

It’s best to thaw and rinse the shrimp before cooking to ensure even cooking and to avoid adding excess water to the pan. This helps the sauce thicken properly and achieves that perfect sticky coating.

What can I substitute for tamari if I don’t have it?

Soy sauce is a great alternative and will provide a similar salty umami flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, coconut aminos work beautifully as well.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh, and follow the same cooking steps. The sticky garlic sesame sauce is so flavorful it makes a fantastic vegetarian option.

Can I meal prep this shrimp bowl for the week?

Yes! Prepare all components ahead but keep veggies and rice separate from shrimp until ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and prevents any sogginess.

How spicy is the crushed red pepper in this recipe?

The crushed red pepper is optional and adds a mild heat that balances the sweetness of the honey. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder taste.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Garlic Sesame Shrimp Bowls Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick, fuss-free, and packed with layers of flavor that feel special every single time. Whether you’re making dinner for yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!