Fiery Grilled Shrimp On Sesame Spinach
Fiery grilled shrimp paired with a tangy sesame spinach salad, blending spicy, savory, and zesty flavors perfect for a quick, flavorful meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. red chile pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ginger, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
- 1-1/4 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb. baby spinach
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the grill.
- In a small bowl, combine red chile pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
- Coat the shrimp generously with the rub and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- While the shrimp marinate, prepare the sesame spinach dressing by mixing soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame seeds.
- Grill the shrimp over medium-high heat until opaque and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a large bowl, toss the baby spinach with the sesame dressing.
- Serve the grilled shrimp over the dressed spinach and garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, you can increase the amount of red chile pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. If you don't have shrimp, this rub works well with chicken or tofu. Make sure to not overcrowd the grill to ensure even cooking. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the spicy flavors. You can also serve it alongside a light Asian-inspired soup for a complete meal. For a twist, consider serving the shrimp over quinoa for added protein.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid overcooking. The dressed spinach should be consumed fresh, as it may wilt.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiery Grilled Shrimp On Sesame Spinach contains roughly 219 calories, with 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2147mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While the shrimp marinade can be prepared in advance, it's best to grill them just before serving for optimal freshness and texture. The dressing can be made a few hours ahead, but toss it with the spinach just before serving to prevent wilting.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce. Alternatively, you can use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. Adjust the salt in the recipe since these alternatives can vary in saltiness.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make the dish milder, reduce the amount of red chile pepper flakes or omit them entirely. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to the finished dish to balance out the heat. For more heat, consider adding sliced fresh chilies to the marinade.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).