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
Scale
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.
