15-Minute Sesame Shrimp and Snap Peas (Healthy Takeout!)

Prep Time: 5 mins	Cook Time: 10 mins	Yield: 4 servings

Friday nights usually bring the temptation of the delivery app. After a long first week back at work in January, the last thing you want is a mountain of dishes or a complex recipe. This Sesame Shrimp and Snap Peas is our favorite “Healthy Fakeout.” It is a budget-friendly meal because frozen shrimp and snap peas are often much cheaper than ordering out, and it’s a quick weeknight dinner that is actually faster than the delivery driver’s ETA.

This dish is a healthy reset staple. Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, and snap peas provide that essential Friday night “crunch” along with a healthy dose of vitamins A and C. By making the sauce yourself, you avoid the hidden sugars and excessive sodium found in bottled stir-fry sauces.

Why Frozen is Your Best Friend

To keep this truly budget-friendly, we recommend using a bag of frozen, peeled, and deveined shrimp. It’s often higher quality than the “fresh” counter (which was usually previously frozen anyway) and can be thawed in minutes under cold running water. It’s the ultimate freezer-staple for a 15-minute meal.

Ingredients & Quantities

• 1 lb Large Shrimp (Peeled and deveined, tails removed)
• 2 cups Sugar Snap Peas (ends trimmed)
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil or Avocado Oil

The Simple Sesame Sauce:

• 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free)
• 1 Tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup
• 1 Tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, grated
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Peas: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the snap peas and sauté for 3 minutes. You want them to stay bright green and crunchy with just a few golden-brown spots. Remove the peas from the pan and set aside.
3. Sear the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the same hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Toss and Glaze: Return the snap peas to the pan. Pour the sesame sauce over the shrimp and peas.
5. Finish: Toss everything together for 1 minute as the sauce bubbles and thickens slightly, coating the shrimp in a glossy glaze.
6. Serve: Remove from heat immediately to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Dry Your Shrimp: Before adding the shrimp to the pan, pat them very dry with a paper towel. This ensures they sear and brown rather than steaming in their own moisture.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp only needs about 4–5 minutes total. Watch for them to curl into a “C” shape—if they curl into an “O”, they are overdone!
• Veggie Variations: If you don’t have snap peas, this sauce works perfectly with broccoli, bell peppers, or asparagus.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat very gently in a skillet over low heat. Seafood can get tough in the microwave, so a quick warm-up on the stove is preferred.

Conclusion

This Sesame Shrimp and Snap Peas proves that you don’t need to spend a lot of money or time to enjoy a meal that feels like a treat. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your first “Healthy Reset” week of 2026.