Quick Sesame Shrimp with Crunchy Snap Pea Slaw
Tender seared shrimp glazed in Asian sesame dressing paired with a crisp, colorful slaw of snap peas, red cabbage, and green onions. This light yet satisfying dish delivers fresh crunch and savory umami flavors in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or healthy lunch bowls when you want restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Annie's Organic Asian sesame dressing, plus 3 tablespoons
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 8 oz sugar snap peas, thinly sliced crosswise
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly slicedgreen cabbage1:1vegetable
less color but same crunch
- ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 lb large shrimp, uncooked deveined peeled fresh or frozen thawed, tail shells removedmedium shrimp1:1seafood
cook 1-2 minutes less
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seed
Instructions
- 1
Stir together sesame dressing and lemon juice in large bowl
- 2
Add snap peas, cabbage and green onions to bowl and toss to coat, then set aside
- 3
Heat sesame oil in skillet over medium-high heat until hot
- 4
Season shrimp with salt and pepper
- 5
Cook shrimp in oil until pink
- 6
Add remaining dressing to skillet and heat to boiling
- 7
Remove from heat and add remaining green onions and sesame seed
- 8
Toss to combine and serve shrimp with slaw
Tips
Slice snap peas and cabbage very thinly for the best texture contrast with the tender shrimp.
Don't overcook the shrimp - they should turn pink and curl slightly, which takes just 2-3 minutes.
Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for fresher flavor if you can't find pre-toasted ones.
Good to Know
Store slaw and shrimp separately in refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently to avoid overcooking.
Prepare slaw up to 4 hours ahead. Cook shrimp just before serving for best texture.
Serve immediately while shrimp is warm and slaw is crisp. Great over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
Keep slaw components crisp by not overdressing until ready to serve.
Substitutions
same flavor profile
less color but same crunch
cook 1-2 minutes less
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp may release more water during cooking.
What if I don't have sesame oil?
Use vegetable oil for cooking, but you'll miss the nutty sesame flavor. Add extra sesame seeds for some compensation.
How long will the slaw keep?
The dressed slaw stays crisp for up to 4 hours. After that, vegetables start to soften from the dressing.