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Crispy Sesame Popcorn Shrimp

This Crispy Sesame Popcorn Shrimp is quick, crunchy, and packed with sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors—perfect for an easy weeknight or impressive appetizer!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Keyword: Easy, Glaze, Popcorn Shrimp, Quick, Seafood, Sesame
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 11.8 oz SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp pre-breaded
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce gluten-free version if needed
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic paste adds subtle heat and garlicky punch
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds toasted and sprinkled on top

Instructions

Cooking the Shrimp

  • Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp straight from the package and cook according to package instructions until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Making the Sauce

  • In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic paste, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk until sugar is mostly dissolved and mixture is well combined.
  • In a small bowl, mix corn starch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a smooth slurry. Pour sauce mixture into skillet over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in corn starch slurry while whisking continuously until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Finishing the Dish

  • Return crispy shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly without breaking the coating. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the glaze cling to the shrimp.
  • Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the sauced shrimp. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with fresh veggies.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Small Bowl

Notes

  • Drain shrimp well after cooking to keep them crispy and avoid sogginess.
  • Add corn starch slurry gradually to achieve your desired sauce thickness.
  • Adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more rice vinegar or a splash of water.
  • Reheat leftovers in a skillet to preserve crispiness instead of microwaving.
  • Try baking the shrimp as a healthier alternative, then toss in the glaze just before serving.