Air-Fryer Teriyaki Shrimp with Snap Peas

Rinse 1.5 cups of uncooked jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2.25 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

While the rice cooks, prepare the bittersweet teriyaki base. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add 1/3 cup of light brown sugar and 1 tbsp of water. Heat without stirring until the sugar completely melts, bubbles, and darkens to a deep mahogany brown color (about 3 to 4 minutes) to develop rich, complex caramel tones.

Immediately whisk 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp of mirin, 2 minced raw garlic cloves, and 1 tsp of grated fresh ginger into the caramelized sugar. In a small cup, dissolve 1 tsp of cornstarch in 1 tbsp of cold water, then whisk this slurry into the saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thickened, then remove from the heat.

Pat 1.5 lbs of raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure they get a beautiful sear in the air fryer. In a medium bowl, toss 8 oz of trimmed sugar snap peas with 1 tbsp of sesame oil and a pinch of salt.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the seasoned sugar snap peas in an even layer in the basket, and place the raw shrimp directly on top of and around the peas.

Brush the shrimp and snap peas generously with half of the prepared teriyaki sauce, reserving the other half for serving.

Air fry at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and caramelized on the edges, and the snap peas are tender-crisp.

Divide the fluffed jasmine rice among 4 serving bowls. Top with the air-fried teriyaki shrimp and snap peas, and drizzle the remaining warm teriyaki sauce over each bowl before serving.