Crispy Orange Shrimp

Crispy Orange Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings bold flavors and a satisfying crunch to your table. This recipe is perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of sweet and spicy in the orange sauce makes it irresistible, while the crispy texture ensures each bite is enjoyable. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet impressive dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet and spicy orange sauce elevates the shrimp to new heights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer or over rice for a hearty main course.
• Crispy Texture: The cornstarch coating ensures a delightful crunch with every bite.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that kids will love—perfect for picky eaters!

Tools and Preparation

To make Crispy Orange Shrimp, having the right kitchen tools can streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large frying pan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Large frying pan: Essential for achieving the perfect frying temperature and preventing overcrowding.
• Whisk: Helps to thoroughly combine sauce ingredients for even flavor distribution.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing shrimp and sauces separately, keeping everything organized.

Ingredients

This crispy Orange Shrimp is one of my favorite quick meals! It’s made with golden shrimp tossed in a sweet, sticky orange sauce with a little kick from crushed red pepper flakes. It’s super flavorful and ready in just 30 minutes. Some folks call it honey orange firecracker shrimp, and once you taste that spicy-sweet sauce, you’ll see why!

For the Shrimp

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

For the Sauce

• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 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

Garnish

• 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.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Next, pat dry the shrimp and add it to a large bowl. Add the cornstarch and toss to coat well.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You need about 1 inch of oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

In batches, fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until brown and crisp. Make sure to NOT overcrowd the pan.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Drain onto a plate and DO NOT use paper towels.

Step 6: Combine Sauce and Shrimp

When done frying the shrimp, drain the oil, give the prepared sauce a stir, and add it to the pan.

Step 7: Heat Sauce

Heat the sauce for a minute or two, then add the shrimp back into the pan.

Step 8: Toss Everything Together

Very gently toss to combine and cook for about 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

Step 9: Serve

Serve immediately as an appetizer or over rice, garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your Crispy Orange Shrimp!

How to Serve Crispy Orange Shrimp

Crispy Orange Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a quick meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the shrimp on skewers for easy handling.
• Pair with a side of sweet chili sauce for extra flavor.

Over Rice

• Spoon the shrimp over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice.
• The rice absorbs the delicious orange sauce, making every bite delightful.

In a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps.
• Add shredded carrots and cucumbers for added crunch and flavor.

With Noodles

• Toss the shrimp with lo mein or rice noodles.
• This creates a filling and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

On a Salad

• Add the crispy shrimp to mixed greens.
• Drizzle with sesame dressing for a light yet flavorful meal.

How to Perfect Crispy Orange Shrimp

Achieving the perfect crispy texture and flavor is key to this dish. Here are some tips to ensure your Orange Shrimp turns out exceptional every time.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp enhances the taste and texture significantly.
• Pat Dry Thoroughly: Ensuring your shrimp are dry before coating helps achieve maximum crispiness.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil hot enough before adding shrimp to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to allow even cooking and proper browning.
• Stir Sauce Gently: When combining the shrimp with the sauce, stir gently to keep them intact.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoying them right after cooking ensures they retain their crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Orange Shrimp

Pairing sides with your Crispy Orange Shrimp can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy option that adds color and nutrition to your plate.
2. Fried Rice: Incorporate veggies and eggs into fried rice for a hearty side.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad that balances the spiciness of the shrimp.
4. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic bring an aromatic touch.
5. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutritious grain that pairs well with the sweet flavors of the shrimp.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is soothing and complements Asian flavors perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Crispy Orange Shrimp, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

• Not drying the shrimp: If you don’t pat the shrimp dry before coating them with cornstarch, they may become soggy instead of crispy. Always ensure they are well-dried to achieve that perfect crunch.
• Overcrowding the pan: When frying, overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying. Cook in batches so each shrimp has enough space to get crispy and golden.
• Skipping the sauce preparation: Forgetting to whisk your sauce ingredients beforehand can result in uneven flavor. Prepare and mix your sauce in advance for a consistent taste throughout.
• Using too much oil: While you need oil for frying, too much can make your dish greasy. Use just enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and avoid excessive absorption.
• Not stirring the sauce: If you neglect to stir your sauce before adding it to the shrimp, it may separate or not coat them evenly. Always give it a good stir right before combining.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Crispy Orange Shrimp

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a container.
• Store for up to 2 months.
• Ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Crispy Orange Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until crisp.
• Microwave: Use medium heat for 1-2 minutes; this may reduce crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium heat in a lightly oiled pan for about 5 minutes, tossing occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crispy Orange Shrimp?

Crispy Orange Shrimp refers to shrimp that are coated, fried until golden brown, and tossed in a sweet and spicy orange sauce.

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! You can use chicken or turkey as alternatives for this recipe while maintaining similar cooking times.

How do I make Crispy Orange Shrimp spicier?

You can add more crushed red pepper flakes or even include some sliced fresh chili peppers into the sauce for an extra kick.

Can I serve Crispy Orange Shrimp with anything else?

Yes! It pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Feel free to customize your serving options based on your preference.

Conclusion

Crispy Orange Shrimp is a delightful blend of flavors that makes it perfect as an appetizer or main course. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it spicy or sweet, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table!

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