Crispy Orange Shrimp

This crispy Orange Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings a punch of flavor to your table. With its sweet and tangy orange sauce, complemented by a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes, this meal is sure to impress. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings, it’s ready in just 30 minutes and offers the ideal balance of taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet honey and zesty orange creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the shrimp.
• Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer or pair it with rice for a satisfying main course.
• Crispy Texture: Coating the shrimp in cornstarch ensures a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can enhance your efficiency and results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Plate for draining shrimp

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan: A spacious pan allows you to fry multiple shrimp at once without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for sauce and shrimp helps maintain organization while preparing your dish.
• Whisk: A whisk is perfect for combining ingredients smoothly, especially when making your flavorful orange sauce.

Ingredients

For the Orange Sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 orange (zested)
• 1/4 cup orange juice (no sugar added)
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Crispy Shrimp

• 2 pounds medium to large shrimp (18-20 count – peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup canola oil (or more)
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Garnishes

• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

How to Make Crispy Orange Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

First, add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until combined. Set aside while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels. In a large bowl, add the shrimp and cornstarch. Toss well until each piece is fully coated.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, pour enough oil to cover about 1 inch on the bottom of the pan. Let it heat up until shimmering.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

In batches, carefully add shrimp to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding; cook in smaller batches if necessary.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Once cooked, transfer shrimp onto a plate to drain excess oil. Do not use paper towels as they can make them soggy.

Step 6: Combine with Sauce

After frying all the shrimp, carefully drain any remaining oil from the pan. Give your prepared sauce a stir before adding it into the hot pan.

Step 7: Toss with Shrimp

Heat the sauce for about one minute before gently adding back in all fried shrimp. Toss everything together carefully so that each piece gets coated in that delicious sauce.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve immediately as an appetizer or alongside rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your crispy Orange Shrimp!

How to Serve Crispy Orange Shrimp

Crispy Orange Shrimp is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, there are plenty of tasty options to enhance your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the crispy orange shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating.
• Pair with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce for added flavor.

Over Rice

• Place the shrimp over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious orange sauce.
• Add some sautéed vegetables on the side for a balanced meal.

In Tacos

• Fill soft corn tortillas with crispy orange shrimp, topped with shredded cabbage and avocado slices.
• Drizzle with lime juice for an extra zesty kick.

On Salads

• Toss the shrimp atop mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad option.
• Add sliced cucumbers and mandarin oranges to complement the flavors.

How to Perfect Crispy Orange Shrimp

Achieving the perfect crispy texture and flavor in your Orange Shrimp is easy with these tips.

• Pat dry the shrimp: Ensuring your shrimp are dry helps them crisp up nicely when fried.
• Use enough oil: Make sure there’s enough oil in the pan to fully submerge the shrimp for even cooking and crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding: Frying in batches prevents steaming and guarantees each piece gets perfectly golden brown.
• Check oil temperature: Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of shrimp; it should sizzle immediately when ready.
• Coat evenly: Tossing the shrimp well in cornstarch ensures every piece is coated, leading to better crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Orange Shrimp

Crispy Orange Shrimp pairs well with various sides that complement its sweet and spicy flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
   A fragrant base that absorbs the delicious orange sauce beautifully.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables
   Colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas offer crunch and nutrition.
3. Coconut Rice
   Creamy coconut rice adds richness and balances the sweetness of the shrimp.
4. Asian Slaw
   A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides great texture contrast.
5. Garlic Noodles
   Flavorful noodles tossed in garlic butter make for a satisfying side that pairs nicely.
6. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon dressing adds freshness to your meal while being nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Crispy Orange Shrimp even more delicious. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for:

• Overcrowding the pan: If you add too many shrimp at once, they will steam instead of fry. Fry in batches to ensure each shrimp gets crispy.
• Ignoring oil temperature: Using oil that is not hot enough will result in soggy shrimp. Test the oil with a small piece of shrimp; it should sizzle immediately.
• Not drying the shrimp: Wet shrimp will not crisp up properly when coated with cornstarch. Pat them dry with paper towels before coating.
• Skipping the sauce whisking: If the sauce ingredients aren’t well combined, the flavors won’t meld. Whisk thoroughly before adding to the pan.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality shrimp and good soy sauce make a significant difference in flavor. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crispy Orange Shrimp in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crispy Orange Shrimp

• Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Crispy Orange Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place shrimp on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but be aware that this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, tossing gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Orange Shrimp:

Can I use frozen shrimp for Crispy Orange Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before frying.

What can I substitute for honey in this recipe?

Maple syrup works well as a substitute for honey and will give you a similar sweetness.

How spicy is Crispy Orange Shrimp?

The level of spiciness depends on how much crushed red pepper flakes you add. You can adjust it according to your taste preference!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Orange Shrimp recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer or over rice for a satisfying main dish. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!