Spicy Soy-Bourbon Shrimp – Bold, Savory, and Quick

Spicy Soy-Bourbon Shrimp is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines succulent shrimp with a bold, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, this recipe delivers a balance of heat, umami, and richness. Juicy shrimp coated in a sticky soy-bourbon glaze make every bite irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy & Flavorful – Tender shrimp coated in a rich, sticky sauce.
Perfectly Spicy – A kick of heat complements the sweetness of bourbon.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce
   In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, bourbon, honey, red pepper flakes, and ginger. Set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Add the Sauce
   Pour the soy-bourbon mixture over the shrimp. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp are coated and sauce thickens slightly.
4. Serve
   Transfer shrimp to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~220
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Heat – Increase or decrease red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly and becomes rubbery if overdone.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and ginger make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of soy sauce, bourbon, honey, and spices creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that clings perfectly to the shrimp. Quick searing keeps the shrimp tender, while the sauce balances sweet, salty, and spicy notes for a bold, restaurant-style dish at home.

Spicy Soy-Bourbon Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Juicy shrimp coated in a bold, sticky sauce create a meal that’s satisfying, delicious, and ready in under 20 minutes.