This Ginger Scallion Shrimp is a simple, flavorful dish that delivers bold, savory notes with a bright, aromatic finish. Fresh ginger, garlic, and shallots form a classic aromatic base, while butter and brown sugar create a rich, caramelized glaze. Fresh chiles add heat and fragrance that will fill your kitchen. The recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or for entertaining when you want something impressive but easy.
Ginger Scallion Shrimp
This post was inspired by our enthusiastic love of seafood. While the photos feature Spot Prawns—one of the most prized and delicious varieties available—the recipe is designed to work equally well with ordinary uncooked shrimp from the grocery store. Spot Prawns are a seasonal treat for those who can get them, but the technique and flavors translate perfectly to standard shrimp, making the dish widely accessible.
Whenever possible, buy the largest raw shrimp you can find for the best texture and impact. If you only have pre-cooked shrimp, prepare the sauce separately and add the shrimp at the very end—just long enough to warm them through so they don’t overcook and become rubbery.
This shrimp is excellent served over steamed rice or an Asian-style noodle such as yakisoba or pad see ew. You can also spoon it over simple rice paper noodles or toss it into lettuce cups for a lighter presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Layered, Bold Flavor – Ginger, garlic, scallions, and chiles combine for bright, savory depth.
- Versatile – Equally good with rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves.
- Restaurant-Style at Home – Delivers the satisfying flavors of a takeout favorite without the fuss.
Try the Ginger Scallion Crab version as another delicious option!
Recipe Shopping List
You likely already have many of these ingredients in your pantry. For exact quantities, see the ingredient list in the recipe card below.
- Shrimp or prawns (raw)
- Neutral oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh ginger
- Fresh garlic
- Shallot
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Sriracha or another hot sauce
- High-quality soy sauce
- Dried whole chili peppers
- Scallions (green onions), chopped
Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
How To Make This Recipe
Below is a concise overview of the cooking process so you know what to expect. Follow the full ingredient amounts and timed steps in the recipe card further down for best results.
- Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add raw shrimp along with the garlic, ginger, and shallot and sauté until the shrimp begin to turn opaque, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the brown sugar, stirring to combine and allow the sugar to melt slightly into the sauce.
- Stir in sriracha, soy sauce, and the dried chilies. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes while stirring frequently so the sauce reduces and coats the shrimp.
- Add the remaining butter and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes glossy and well-emulsified.
- Remove from heat, garnish generously with chopped scallions, and serve immediately.
Give Spot Prawn Rolls a try next time if you can get fresh prawns!
Recipe FAQ
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through. Microwaving risks overcooking the shrimp and changing the texture.
You can chop the aromatics and measure the sauce ingredients ahead of time, but cook the shrimp just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Scallops, thinly sliced chicken, or firm tofu make good alternatives if you want a different protein.
Also delicious as Ginger Scallion Crab — try that variation if you enjoy shellfish!
Serve This With…
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Garlic noodles or stir-fried vegetables
- A crisp cucumber salad for a cool, refreshing contrast
More Seafood Recipes
-
Dungeness Crab Salad for Sushi and Poke -
Traeger Grilled Lobster Tail
-
Lemon Pepper Grilled Salmon
More Asian-Inspired Dishes
- Pork Egg Rolls
- Spicy Rice Paper Noodles
- Beef Udon Soup
- Gochugaru Tuna Tataki
Pin For Later
Ginger Scallion Shrimp
A bold, family-friendly shrimp dish with a spicy-sweet, buttery sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for an easy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds shrimp (raw, peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, chopped
- 1 large shallot, diced
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup high-quality soy sauce
- 6 dried whole chili peppers
- 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the raw shrimp, garlic, ginger, and shallot. Sauté, stirring, until the shrimp are turning opaque, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the brown sugar. Stir to combine and let the sugar dissolve into the pan juices.
- Mix in sriracha, soy sauce, and the dried chilies. Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes so it reduces slightly and thickens.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped scallions, and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 427
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 395mg
- Sodium: 1348mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 48g