Mongolian Shrimp – This sweet, savory, and umami-packed mongolian shrimp consists tender shrimp coated in a rich, caramelized sauce that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
What is Mongolian Shrimp?
Mongolian Shrimp is a stir-fry dish typically made with shrimp, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a sweet and savory brown sauce, similar to the one used in Mongolian Beef. While the dish is not traditionally Mongolian (it’s more rooted in Chinese-American cuisine), it borrows heavily from the flavors of Mongolian-style dishes, which balance salty, sweet, and umami notes.
The shrimp is quickly stir-fried, coated in a glossy sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and other aromatics, then served over rice or noodles. The dish is versatile and can be customized with vegetables or spices based on your preferences.
Ingredients for Mongolian Shrimp
To make Mongolian Shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Vegetable Oil: For frying the shrimp.
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well.
Soy Sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
Brown Sugar: Provides the sweetness needed to balance the savory elements.
Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics that pack tons of flavor.
Green Onions: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Cornstarch: Used to lightly coat the shrimp, helping them crisp up during cooking.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Mongolian Shrimp
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook incredibly fast! They only need about 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them tough and chewy.
- Customize the Heat Level: If you like it spicy, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of Sriracha. For a milder dish, omit the heat entirely.
- Add Veggies: While the traditional dish is all about shrimp, you can add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition and texture.
- Use Frozen Shrimp: Frozen shrimp work just as well as fresh. Just be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Recipe Variations
Mongolian Shrimp with Chicken: You can swap half the shrimp for thinly sliced chicken breast if you want to combine proteins for a heartier meal.
Shrimp and Broccoli: Add steamed or stir-fried broccoli for a more balanced meal with added fiber and nutrients.
Mongolian Shrimp with Noodles: Instead of rice, serve the shrimp over lo mein or rice noodles for a fun twist.
Gluten-Free Mongolian Shrimp: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
How to Serve Mongolian Shrimp
It is best served hot, straight from the pan. Here are some serving ideas to elevate the meal:
- Over Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice is ideal for soaking up the rich sauce.
- With Noodles: Toss the shrimp with cooked noodles for a satisfying one-bowl meal.
- As Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp in crisp lettuce leaves topped with a drizzle of sauce and fresh herbs.
- Side Vegetables: Steamed bok choy, stir-fried snap peas, or roasted broccoli complement the flavors beautifully.
How to Store Mongolian Shrimp
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place the shrimp in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Freeze: You can freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in a skillet.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Mongolian Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and prep the shrimp ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp right before serving to ensure they stay tender.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best. You can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they’re fully thawed and dried before cooking.
Is Mongolian Shrimp spicy?
Not inherently. The dish has a sweet-savory flavor profile, but you can add heat with red pepper flakes or Sriracha if desired.
Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! Chicken, beef, or tofu would work well in this recipe, giving you a variety of ways to enjoy the rich Mongolian sauce.
Mongolian Shrimp
Mongolian Shrimp – This sweet, savory, and umami-packed mongolian shrimp consists tender shrimp coated in a rich, caramelized sauce that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, thawed and cleaned
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup avocado oil
- ½ cup corn starch
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the Mongolian Sauce
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup dark soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup water
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1½ Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cup broccoli, chopped
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- ½ cup edamame, cooked
- 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked, cook according to package
- 1 tsp white sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Start with Rice: Cook your rice according to the package if you're serving it.
- Coat the Shrimp: Mix cornstarch, panko, salt, and pepper in one bowl, and whisk eggs in another. Toss the shrimp in the eggs, then coat them in the cornstarch mixture.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until crispy. Remove and set on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
- Cook Veggies: Wipe the pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped broccoli for about 4 minutes. Microwave or steam the edamame.
- Combine Everything: Add the sauce to the broccoli, let it simmer for 3 minutes, then toss the shrimp back into the pan to coat it with that rich Mongolian sauce.
- Serve: Dish up your rice (if using), top with the shrimp, broccoli, and edamame, and garnish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 666Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 333mgSodium 3512mgCarbohydrates 56gFiber 5gSugar 11gProtein 39g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts on Mongolian Shrimp
Mongolian Shrimp is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that can be whipped up in no time. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for a dinner party. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in under 30 minutes. Don’t forget to try different variations and serving styles to make the dish your own!
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