Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for several reasons:
- It’s quick and easy to make, often ready in under 20 minutes.
- The shrimp stays tender and juicy thanks to the fast, high-heat cooking.
- The garlic-butter-soy sauce blend delivers a savory umami kick.
- It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.
- It’s versatile: you can customize vegetables, spice levels, or portion sizes to match your mood.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Mirin or sake (optional)
- Sesame oil
- Fresh ginger (grated or minced)
- Vegetables (e.g. zucchini, mushrooms, onions, bell pepper)
- Green onions (sliced)
- Lemon or lime juice
- Salt and pepper
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Directions
- Prep the ingredients. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Slice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, mirin (or sake if using), sesame oil, and grated ginger.
- Heat the grill or skillet. Preheat a hibachi grill, cast-iron griddle, or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Cook vegetables. Add a bit of oil or butter, then stir-fry the vegetables until they begin to soften, about 3–4 minutes. Push them to the side of the grill.
- Cook shrimp. Place shrimp on the hot surface, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add sauce. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, tossing quickly to coat everything evenly and heat through (about 1 minute).
- Garnish and serve. Remove from heat, drizzle with a little fresh lemon or lime juice, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Servings and timing
Serves: 2–4 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Variations
- Substitute chicken, scallops, or tofu for shrimp for a different protein.
- Use coconut aminos or tamari in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Add spicy heat with sriracha, chili flakes, or gochujang in the sauce.
- Include additional vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli.
- Finish with a squeeze of citrus (lemon, lime, or yuzu) for a bright twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat (add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying) until heated through. Avoid microwaving on high, which can overcook the shrimp.
FAQs
What size shrimp should I use?
Use large or jumbo shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count per pound). They hold up well to high heat and remain juicy.
Do I need to scramble the vegetables first?
No, just stir-fry them briefly on the hot surface so they soften slightly but retain some bite before cooking the shrimp.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the garlic butter sauce 1–2 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Rewarm gently before using.
Can I grill this outdoors?
Absolutely. Use a flat top or griddle surface on your outdoor grill and cook as directed.
How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking?
Make sure your cooking surface is very hot and well oiled or buttered. Pat the shrimp dry before cooking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Shrimp generally doesn’t freeze well once cooked — it can become rubbery. It’s better to eat leftovers fresh.
What side dishes work best?
Steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, garlic noodles, or sautéed greens are excellent companions.
Can I halve or double the recipe?
Yes — this recipe scales easily. Adjust sauce and ingredient amounts proportionally.
Is mirin essential?
Mirin adds a mild sweetness and depth. If you don’t have it, a splash of rice vinegar plus a pinch of sugar works as a substitute.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Use fresh garlic and ginger, finish with citrus juice, and consider adding a dash of toasted sesame oil or sesame seeds for extra aroma.
Conclusion
Hibachi Shrimp is a fast, flavorful dish that brings the excitement of Japanese-style grilling into your kitchen. With minimal prep and a simple garlic butter sauce, you’ll enjoy succulent shrimp packed with savory goodness — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering.
PrintHibachi Shrimp
Hibachi Shrimp is a quick and flavorful Japanese-style grilled shrimp dish cooked with garlic, butter, soy sauce, and vegetables. It’s a savory, umami-packed meal that’s both simple and impressive for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling / Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin or sake (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Slice vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, mirin (or sake), sesame oil, and grated ginger to make the sauce.
- Preheat a hibachi grill, cast-iron griddle, or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Add a bit of oil or butter, then stir-fry the vegetables until they begin to soften, about 3–4 minutes. Push them to the side of the grill.
- Place shrimp on the hot surface and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, tossing quickly to coat and heat through for about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat, drizzle with lemon or lime juice, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Do not overcook the shrimp — they’re done once pink and opaque.
- Use a very hot surface to get a nice sear and prevent sticking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 200mg