Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp Recipe

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When it comes to quick weeknight dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor, this Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp recipe delivers in every bite. Tender shrimp coated in a sticky, tangy, and slightly sweet glaze that tastes like takeout—but healthier and fresher. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute meals.

Shrimp is one of the most versatile proteins you can keep on hand. It cooks in minutes, takes on flavor beautifully, and adds a touch of elegance to any dish. In this recipe, it’s tossed in a simple homemade glaze made from pantry staples—no need for bottled sauces full of sugar and additives.

The key to this recipe is balance: the sauce blends sweetness from natural sweeteners with tangy vinegar and a touch of savory from garlic and soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free). The result is a glossy glaze that clings to every shrimp and pops with flavor.

It’s also a one-pan wonder. Just sauté the shrimp, stir together the glaze, and finish everything in the same skillet. Less cleanup, more time to enjoy.

You can serve these shrimp over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce cups for a low-carb twist. They also make an amazing party appetizer—just skewer them and watch them disappear!

Unlike traditional sweet and sour shrimp, which is often battered and deep-fried, this version skips the flour and oil in favor of a lighter, healthier prep. But don’t worry—you still get that satisfying, sticky-saucy finish.

Want to add veggies? Bell peppers, snap peas, or pineapple chunks (if not strict keto) would be fantastic additions to bulk up the dish and add color.

The sauce comes together with just a few ingredients: vinegar, low-carb sweetener, tomato paste, garlic, and soy sauce. You can adjust the levels of sweet and sour to fit your preferences.

Shrimp also reheats well, so leftovers are great for lunch the next day. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

If you’re hosting guests, this dish looks and tastes gourmet with almost no effort. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh chopped scallions to elevate the presentation.

Even picky eaters love this dish—it’s bright, flavorful, and hits all the right notes. It’s also a great way to introduce seafood to those who aren’t sure they like it.

Make it your own by trying different proteins like chicken or tofu using the same glaze. The sauce is versatile and works well with a range of ingredients.

No alcohol and completely customizable for gluten-free or low-carb diets—this recipe is inclusive and delicious.

Quick, vibrant, and packed with flavor, Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. It’s better than takeout, and way better for you.

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

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons low-carb sweetener (erythritol, monk fruit, or honey if not keto)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos (for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients: vinegar, sweetener, tomato paste, soy sauce, water, and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Pour the glaze into the skillet and toss shrimp to coat.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened and sticky.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Tips:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook fast and can turn rubbery.
• Add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for a complete meal.
• Use pre-peeled shrimp to save prep time.
• Adjust sweetness and acidity in the glaze to your taste.
• For meal prep, store shrimp and sauce separately to maintain texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bursting with sweet, sour, and savory flavor.
• Quick and easy one-skillet recipe.
• Healthier than takeout, with no deep frying.
• Customizable for keto, gluten-free, and low-carb diets.
• Great for dinners, appetizers, or meal prep.

Summary:

Sweet and Sour Glazed Shrimp is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dish made with tender shrimp and a sticky homemade glaze. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan recipe is better than takeout and customizable for a variety of dietary needs.