If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a citrusy kick, the Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant and delicious recipe brings together tender shrimp coated in a luscious honey and orange sauce, making every bite a party of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. Quick to prepare and stunning on the plate, it’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple seafood dinner into something special that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients are the secret behind the magic of this Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe. Each one plays a vital role—whether adding color, zing, or just the right hint of sweetness—to ensure your dish bursts with flavor and has the perfect texture.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps to create a crispy coating that holds the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides the ideal frying medium for a golden sear.
- ½ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled): Offers bright citrus acidity to lighten and balance the sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Adds luscious natural sweetness for that signature honey glaze.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings depth with a hint of umami and saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor with a fresh, fragrant punch.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic richness.
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy undertone.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little subtle heat to brighten the flavors.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Finish the dish with a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp
Begin by patting your shrimp dry to ensure they crisp nicely when cooked. Toss them in cornstarch until they’re evenly coated; this layer will create a delightful golden crust that holds on to all that amazing sauce.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp
Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the shrimp and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and develop a slightly crispy exterior. Then, remove them from the pan and set aside, keeping those crispy edges intact.
Step 3: Make the sauce
Using the same pan, pour in your orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and add the fragrant orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and turning beautifully glossy — that’s where the flavor gets really concentrated.
Step 4: Combine shrimp and sauce
Return your cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them carefully in the sauce so every piece is fully coated. Cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and allow the shrimp to soak up those bright, sweet, and savory flavors.
How to Serve Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra touch of freshness and texture, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds right on top before serving. These simple garnishes brighten the dish visually and add a subtle nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and sauce.
Side Dishes
This Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe shines when paired with fluffy steamed rice, silky noodles, or simple stir-fried vegetables. Choose sides that soak up the sauce or add contrasting textures—like crunchy bok choy or tender snap peas—for a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this shrimp over a bed of fragrant jasmine or basmati rice in individual bowls, drizzle extra sauce over the top, and scatter a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Another fun twist is to pile the shrimp onto lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held treat that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain their texture and flavor, as shrimp can become rubbery if kept too long.
Freezing
While freezing shrimp is possible, it’s not recommended for this recipe because the sauce and shrimp texture might change after thawing. If you must freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in a sealed container and use within one month, then thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at a reduced power setting, stirring occasionally. Be mindful not to overcook, as shrimp can toughen quickly. Adding a splash of water or orange juice while reheating can help refresh the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before tossing with cornstarch for the best crispy texture during cooking.
Is this Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe spicy?
The recipe is mildly spiced if you include the optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily omit them for a milder version or increase the amount for more heat.
Can I substitute other proteins in this recipe?
Yes, chicken or tofu work wonderfully if you want a change. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re properly cooked and still tender.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, dissolve a small amount of cornstarch in water and add it while simmering to thicken quickly.
What is the best orange juice to use?
Freshly squeezed orange juice offers the brightest and most natural flavor, but good quality bottled juice also works great, especially when you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe is like adding a splash of sunshine to your dinner table—bright, flavorful, and downright irresistible. It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy with every bite, perfect for quick weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites too. So grab those ingredients, fire up your skillet, and enjoy the delicious journey!
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Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Honey Orange Shrimp is a delightful Asian-inspired stir-fry dish featuring succulent shrimp coated in a sweet and tangy orange-honey glaze. This quick and easy recipe balances the fresh citrus flavors of orange juice and zest with the subtle heat of ginger and red pepper flakes, making it perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- ½ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Coat the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This helps to create a slightly crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slightly crispy exterior. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add orange juice, honey, soy sauce, orange zest, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes if desired. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and concentrates in flavor.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the glossy sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce and orange juice for 15 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of heat according to your preference.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor, but bottled juice works well in a pinch.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
