Shrimp with Peri Peri Glaze
- Jen Vondenbrink
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
I’ve always found that a fantastic sauce can transform an ordinary Tuesday night into something spectacular.
This Shrimp with Peri Peri Glaze is exactly that kind of magic. I created this recipe on a Friday night when I wanted something different. I was craving something slightly spicy and easy. Plus, I had this bottle of Trader Joe’s Peri Peri sauce in the pantry and didn’t know what to do with it. It is a terrible habit of mine to “collect” unusual ingredients. And this night, it came in handy.
I combined the complex heat of peri peri sauce with a touch of honey and a bright squeeze of lime. Then, I reduced everything to a glaze so it would cling to the shrimp.
Keeping a bag of shrimp in the freezer is one of my favorite ways to ensure I always have a healthy protein on hand—it thaws quickly, helping to naturally minimize food waste in my kitchen.
Why This Recipe for Shrimp with Peri Peri Glaze Works
Bold Flavor in Minutes: Marinating for just 15-20 minutes ensures the shrimp absorb the bold spices without the acidic lime juice from “cooking” them.
The Perfect Balance: The fiery kick from the peri peri sauce and smoked paprika is beautifully tempered by the natural sweetness of honey and the rich, savory garlic butter finish.
Note: The Peri Peri sauce is hotter than I expected, so if you make these, don’t overdo it.
The Science of a Perfect Sear & Glaze
Shrimp cooks quickly. Heat and time management are critical. When you add your shrimp to the garlic butter, placing them in a single layer makes sure they cook evenly and don’t steam.
Crowding the pan drops the temperature of the pan, causing the shrimp to steam rather than sear, which leaves them rubbery.
Taking the shrimp out of the pan also helps so that you don’t overcook the shrimp. It only takes a minute or two to reduce the glaze, but even that can transform the opaque shrimp from a gentle “C” shape to a tight “O” shape and they will be overcooked.
Substitutions & Variations
Fire Up the Grill: You can absolutely take this recipe outside! If you choose to grill your shrimp, make the glaze by simmering the marinade in the garlic butter. Put the shrimp on skewers to help them flip easily. They will cook in about the same amount of time. Then drizzle them with the glaze.
Control the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, halve the peri peri sauce and add a splash more honey to mellow out the spice.
Serving Suggestions: I highly recommend serving this over a bed of fragrant saffron rice. This also helps to temper and complement the heat of the peri peri sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shrimp with Peri Peri Glaze
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! In fact, buying frozen shrimp is one of my top tips for smart storage and preventing food waste. Just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before you start marinating them.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I do not recommend cooking seafood in advance, as reheating often leads to a rubbery texture. However, you can mix the marinade ahead of time. For an easy freeze-for-later trick, toss the raw shrimp in the marinade and freeze them together in an airtight container so they are ready to go when you are!
How long should I cook the shrimp?
Shrimp cook remarkably fast. After a 15-20 minute marinade, they only need 1-2 minutes per side in the skillet.
Tools You Will Need
Buying through my affiliate links earns me a small commission at zero extra cost to you—helping keep this site ad-free!
Here’s the Recipe
Next Step: Looking for an Asian version? Give my Hoisin Ginger Shrimp a try.
Additional Reading: How to menu prep faster by thinking like a chef
Before you go...
If you haven't yet subscribed: Here is the link to subscribe to my free newsletter where you get tips like this and some recipes for inspiration.
Looking for a quick dinner tonight?
Three Minute Pantry Meals
These recipes are some of my go-to, last-minute meals I make right from my pantry. In just a couple of minutes, you too can have dinner on the table. Click on the button to download your copy now.
About Jen
Jen Vondenbrink is the creator of "Appetite for Life." With years of dedicated culinary experience and a passion for empowering home cooks, Jen translates intimidating kitchen techniques into accessible, everyday wisdom. Her recipes focus on mastering the "why" behind the cooking process, ensuring you build confidence with every dish while learning smart strategies to manage ingredients and minimize food waste.
Comments