Sesame shrimp is an immensely popular dish in Halal Chinese restaurants as a halal Chinese dish across North America. In this blog, we will explore why it is so popular and why sesame shrimp should be on your favorite halal food list.
5 Reasons to Love Sesame Shrimp
The first one is obvious. It’s delicious. Sesame shrimp, when cooked perfectly, tastes like magic. This North American dish will transport you to a haven with every bite and its versatile taste profile. We have found some more delicious reasons to love shrimp. And we are happily sharing those reasons now.
Incredible Flavor Combination
Shrimp has been an all-time favorite seafood. This succulent seafood can be a dopamine-releasing food. And with honey and sesame, it becomes dangerously delicious. Though often found in Chinese restaurants across North America, sesame shrimp is an American invention. Thus, the recipe gets the best things from both cuisines and creates the unique flavor combination of sesame shrimp.
Versatile Dish
This dish is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century, likely around the 1950s or 1960s, in American Chinese cuisine. And over a half century later, the dish is still popular, and Gen Z also loves the dish. This shows the versatility of sesame shrimp.
Healthy and Nutritious
When it comes to halal shrimp dishes, the nutrition is often shadowed by the incredible taste profile. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
Sesame shrimp is quite easy to prepare. It takes very few ingredients and little time to prepare the dish. You need only honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil to make the dish, and it takes 3-5 minutes to prepare, depending on the size of the shrimp you are cooking.
Crowd-Pleaser
Sesame shrimp is a popular dish among all age groups of foodies. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it looks great. And it’s been a favorite American Chinese food across the globe. It’s a crowd-pleaser for many reasons.
Pairing Sesame Shrimp with Complimentary Dishes
Sesame shrimp is easily paired with many complementary dishes, such as fresh and light salads, vegetable stir-fry, brown rice or quinoa, and more. This makes it a perfect side dish for lunch and dinner.
The Popularity of Sesame Shrimp in Asian Cuisine
As we earlier mentioned in this blog, the Sesame-Glazed Shrimp is found in Chinese restaurants across North America, more than restaurants in China, and the dish was originally invented in America. But it has similarities with popular Asian dishes like Japan’s Ebi Fry (fried shrimp), Korean Saewoo Bokkeum (stir-fried shrimp), Thailand’s Kung Pao (stir-fried shrimp with peanuts and vegetables), and Vietnam’s Tom Chien (caramelized shrimp). Sesame oil gives it a different taste, while the sesame seed garnish gives it a different look.
Creative Twists on Traditional Sesame Shrimp
Food is a wide canvas for creativity and inspires foodies and chefs to try something new with their dishes. Sesame-Glazed Shrimp can be a great base for bringing in some creative twists. Here are some ideas.
Thai Sesame-Crusted Shrimp with Peanut Sauce
Peanut sauce will give the Sesame-Crusted Shrimp a more creamy and soft texture. Peanut Sauce Stir Fry with Shrimp is a popular dish in Thailand and Vietnam. Try the dish and enjoy the fusion.
Spicy Sesame Shrimp with Citrus Glaze
Spicy Citrus-Glazed Shrimp is a delicious dish. And adding its twist with sesame halal shrimp can be a good idea because the freshness of the citrus glaze will complement the sesame chicken undeniably.
Sesame Shrimp Skewers with Grilled Vegetables
Grilled sesame halal shrimp skewers are a healthy and yummy shrimp dish. It can be easily combined with grilled beets to increase the nutrition, fiber content, and health benefits of the dish.
Shrimp Stir Fry with Snow Peas
It’s already a tested idea from Life Jolie and brings in a mouth-watering taste paired with a vibrant look for the dish. The snow peas give it a green shine that makes it look more appealing. A must-try for all shrimp cravers.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Sesame Shrimp Meal
Sesame shrimp is higher in protein and fat, so aim for lighter sides with plenty of vegetables or whole grains. A simple stir-fry with colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers adds a healthy element and complements the sweet and savory flavors of the shrimp. You can even use leftover stir-fried veggies in a lunch salad the next day.
Why are these sesame shrimps so good?
Perfectly cooked sesame shrimps are soft and juicy. The dish provides a comfortable feeling. In addition, the sesame coating gives it a nutty flavor and texture that creates contrast with the shrimp’s sweet taste.
Why Should Sesame Shrimp Be Your Next Dinner Dish?
Sesame shrimp is a versatile dish that can be paired with rice and noodles in salads and stir-fries. This allows you to create a complete meal based on your mood and dietary needs. In addition, the sesame coating gives it a nutty flavor and texture that creates contrast with the shrimp’s sweet taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Sesame Shrimp and how is it prepared?
Sesame shrimp is a dish with crispy, sesame-coated shrimp in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s typically stir-fried or baked and often served with rice or noodles.
Is Sesame Shrimp spicy or mild?
Sesame shrimp itself is usually not spicy. It features a sweet and savory sauce with nutty undertones from sesame seeds.
Are there any variations of Sesame Shrimp available?
Yes, sesame shrimp are versatile! You can adjust the spice, protein, and veggies, and even skip the breading for creative twists. We have mentioned some delicious variations of sesame chicken in this blog
What are the main ingredients used in Sesame Shrimp?
The main ingredients in Sesame Shrimp typically include:
Shrimp: The star of the dish deviated and was peeled.
Sesame Seeds: Used for coating the shrimp and adding nutty flavor.
Sweet and Savory Sauce: Often made with a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic.
Coating (optional): Batter, breadcrumbs, or a combination of both for a crispy exterior.
How is the freshness of the shrimp ensured in Sesame Shrimp dishes?
Al-Aqsa Kitchen receives shrimp deliveries frequently and we store them properly at very cold temperatures (below 40°F) to slow down bacterial growth.
Is Sesame Shrimp gluten-free or suitable for specific dietary requirements?
Sesame and shrimp are common allergens, so people with these allergies should avoid sesame shrimp entirely. And Sesame shrimp is not gluten free.
How can I ensure the quality and authenticity of Sesame Shrimp when ordering at a restaurant?
Order sesame shrimp at Asian restaurants with good online reviews. Ask about ingredients to avoid allergens or inauthentic substitutes. Focus on quality and taste over exact authenticity.
Are there any special cooking techniques or secrets used to prepare the perfect Sesame Shrimp?
The key lies in using fresh shrimp, a flavorful sauce, and achieving a crispy coating without overcooking the shrimp.
What is the origin of Sesame Shrimp and its significance in Chinese cuisine?
Sesame shrimp is not actually a traditional Chinese dish, despite its prevalence in North American Chinese restaurants. It likely originated in North America in the mid-20th century, inspired by Chinese flavors but not a staple in China itself.
