Bourbon glazed shrimp are juicy and flavorful, making them a perfect treat for any meal or party. The sweet and tangy bourbon sauce adds a lovely kick!
These little shrimp disappear fast at my gatherings. They’re quick to whip up—just sauté, glaze, and serve. Try pairing them with rice or veggies for a fun twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this dish as they hold onto the glaze well. If you’re looking for a substitution, fresh or frozen scallops also work nicely and have a different texture.
Bourbon: The bourbon gives depth to the sauce. If you don’t have bourbon, try using rum or a non-alcoholic apple cider for a similar flavor profile. Just adjust sweetness to taste.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. If you’re watching sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice too!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. If you’re out of it, white sugar mixed with a touch of molasses works in a pinch!
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a nice zing. If you don’t have fresh, powdered ginger is a good backup; just use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Glaze?
The key to a great bourbon glaze is cooking it just right to thicken and coat the shrimp. Follow these steps for success:
- After sautéing the garlic, pour in the bourbon and let it simmer to meld the flavors. This helps to evaporate the alcohol while retaining the bourbon flavor.
- Mix in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar, then simmer until the sauce thickens. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to burn.
- Coat the shrimp gently in the thickened glaze. This will give them a shiny finish and great flavor.
And don’t forget to garnish! Fresh parsley or green onions brighten up the dish and make it visually appealing.
How to Make Bourbon Glazed Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bourbon glazed shrimp recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Just a quick sauté, some simmering for the glaze, and you’ll have an amazing dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them cook better and get a nice sear. Sprinkle a little salt and black pepper over them to season.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, until they turn pink and opaque, then flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—just make sure it doesn’t burn. Now, carefully pour in the bourbon to deglaze the pan and scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger (if using) to the skillet, along with the red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
5. Coat the Shrimp:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the bourbon glaze. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the shrimp are heated through and fully coated in that delicious glaze.
6. Serve:
Serve your bourbon glazed shrimp over warm cooked white rice. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a touch of color and freshness!
Enjoy the rich, sweet, and slightly smoky flavors of this bourbon glazed shrimp, perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
What If I Don’t Have Bourbon?
No worries! If you don’t have bourbon, you can substitute it with rum or a non-alcoholic apple cider for similar flavors. Adjust the sweetness slightly if necessary, as apple cider can be sweeter.
How Do I Store Leftover Bourbon Glazed Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when making the sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of heat!