Thai AmericanMedium · Hot
A freezer-aisle inspired weeknight dinner featuring crispy sesame-crusted shrimp over garlicky spinach and fluffy white rice, served with a bright spicy dipping sauce.
15 min
20 min
35 min
Method
Rinse white rice until water runs clear. Add to rice cooker with salt and 1.75 cups water. Cook according to rice cooker instructions until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
Thaw frozen shrimp quickly under cold running water if needed. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
Beat egg in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, and salt.
Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Add breaded shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and keep warm.
Add frozen spinach directly from freezer. Stir frequently, cooking until heated through and wilted, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
Nutri-Score
Good balance
A–E · lower is better · score 1
Calories
665
per serving
Protein
39g
Carbs
102g
Fat
11g
Sat. fat
2g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
5g
Sodium
1746mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Very high impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
3.2
per serving
Water
19m³
Runoff
0.9g P
Frozen shrimp drives 84% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
Frying PanTechniques
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Cook breaded shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
Cross Contamination
The same pan is used sequentially for frying shrimp and sautéing spinach. Allow pan to cool slightly and wipe clean with hot soapy water before cooking spinach, or use a separate pan to prevent allergen transfer.
Thaw frozen shrimp under cold running water in a clean container. Do not thaw at room temperature as this promotes bacterial growth. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw shrimp.
Storage
Refrigerate leftover shrimp within 2 hours of cooking. Store at 40°F (4°C) or below and consume within 3-4 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Keep soy sauce refrigerated after opening according to manufacturer instructions to maintain quality and prevent spoilage.
Allergen Warning
This recipe contains multiple priority allergens: shellfish, eggs, wheat, sesame, and soy. When serving to guests with known allergies, clearly label all allergens and consider preparing allergen-free portions separately.
High Risk Population
Young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons are at higher risk for foodborne illness from undercooked seafood. Ensure shrimp reaches safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Equipment Safety
Hot oil at 350-375°F (175-190°C) poses severe burn risk. Use long tongs or a slotted spoon to add and remove shrimp. Never leave hot oil unattended and keep a lid nearby to smother any grease fire.
Pro Tips
Technique
Never thaw shrimp when you can crispen them straight from frozen. Pat them dry, get your pan screaming hot, and let the freezer do the work.
Substitution
No breadcrumbs on hand? Panko gives you extra crunch, or crush up some saltines for a softer coating. Both work.
From the chef
Here's a truth nobody tells you: frozen shrimp are secretly the weeknight MVP. They're already peeled, they're forgiving, and when you press them into sesame-breadcrumb crust and hit them with high heat, they transform into something that looks like you tried. Meanwhile, your frozen spinach goes from icy block to garlicky abundance in minutes, and that sriracha-lemon dip ties everything together with bright, spicy confidence.
Source: generated · June 10, 2026