Crispy Orange Shrimp

Crispy Orange Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table in just 30 minutes. This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce with a hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish stands out with its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, making it a favorite for all seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes required, you can whip up this delicious dish even on the busiest nights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet orange and spicy red pepper flakes creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, over rice, or as part of a larger meal—it’s perfect for any occasion!
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its beautiful presentation and bold flavors.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, you can easily gather everything you need to prepare this fantastic meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Crispy Orange Shrimp, gather your kitchen tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large frying pan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or slotted spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Large frying pan: Essential for even cooking and frying the shrimp to crispy perfection without overcrowding.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing the shrimp coating and sauce separately before combining them.

Ingredients

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 mirim
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For 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 using paper towels. In a large bowl, add the cornstarch and toss the shrimp until they are well coated.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Heat about 1 inch of canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Ensure that the oil is hot enough to fry without being smoky.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

In batches, fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Once cooked, drain the shrimp onto a plate; do not use paper towels as they absorb excess moisture.

Step 6: Combine Sauce and Shrimp

After frying, drain excess oil from the pan. Give your prepared sauce a good stir before adding it back into the pan.

Step 7: Heat Sauce

Heat the sauce for one or two minutes until it’s warm.

Step 8: Toss Shrimp in Sauce

Gently add the fried shrimp to the pan with sauce. Toss everything together carefully and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 9: Serve

Serve immediately as an appetizer or alongside rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your Crispy Orange Shrimp!

How to Serve Crispy Orange Shrimp

Crispy Orange Shrimp is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether as an appetizer or main course, you can easily elevate this meal with the right accompaniments.

As an Appetizer

• Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
• Pair with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce for added flavor.

Over Rice

• Place the shrimp atop a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a filling meal.
• Use brown rice for a healthier alternative packed with fiber.

In Tacos

• Fill soft tortillas with crispy shrimp, fresh slaw, and a drizzle of lime crema.
• Add avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrition.

With Noodles

• Toss the shrimp with stir-fried noodles and vegetables for a complete dish.
• Use soba or rice noodles for different textures.

On a Salad

• Top mixed greens with crispy shrimp and a citrus vinaigrette.
• Add sliced bell peppers and cucumbers for crunch.

As Part of a Feast

• Serve alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like spring rolls or dumplings.
• Create a complete meal experience by offering various complementary flavors.

How to Perfect Crispy Orange Shrimp

Achieving the perfect Crispy Orange Shrimp involves some key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully each time.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will have better flavor and texture than frozen ones. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
• Coat Evenly: Make sure each shrimp is well-coated in cornstarch. This ensures an even crispness when frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at the right temperature (medium-high heat) to achieve that perfect golden color without making the shrimp greasy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature, which helps achieve maximum crispiness.
• Prepare Sauce Ahead: Mixing your sauce before frying allows you to focus on cooking, ensuring everything comes together seamlessly.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the shrimp right away after tossing them in the sauce; this keeps them crispy and delicious.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Orange Shrimp

To complement your Crispy Orange Shrimp, consider these side dishes that pair beautifully with its flavors and textures. Each option enhances your meal while providing variety.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Offers a healthy green side that balances the sweetness of the shrimp.
2. Fried Rice: A classic pairing; mix in peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs for added flavor.
3. Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds refreshing contrast.
4. Coconut Rice: The slight sweetness from coconut enhances the orange flavors in the dish.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring depth to your meal.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and complements Asian flavors well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crispy Orange Shrimp, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Drying Step: Not patting the shrimp dry can lead to soggy shrimp. Always ensure your shrimp is dry before coating it in cornstarch.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Fry in smaller batches for better crispiness.
• Neglecting Sauce Mixing: If you don’t mix the sauce ingredients well, your shrimp won’t have a consistent flavor. Take time to whisk them together thoroughly.
• Ignoring Oil Temperature: Cooking shrimp in oil that’s not hot enough will make them oily instead of crispy. Ensure the oil is at medium-high heat before frying.
• Not Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, don’t skip measuring crushed red pepper flakes. Start with less and adjust according to your taste preference.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover crispy orange shrimp in an airtight container.
• It should last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• For best results, keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat.

Freezing Crispy Orange Shrimp

• Freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Allow it to cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals.

Reheating Crispy Orange Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently. This might not keep them as crispy but is quicker.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crispy Orange Shrimp?

Crispy Orange Shrimp refers to battered and fried shrimp coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, typically enhanced with spices like red pepper flakes for warmth.

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?

Yes! You can substitute chicken or beef for a different protein experience while maintaining similar preparation methods and flavors.

How can I customize my Crispy Orange Shrimp?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli when cooking for added nutrition and color, or adjust the sweetness by modifying honey or maple syrup levels.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Crispy Orange Shrimp is great for meal prep. Just store the components separately until you’re ready to enjoy it fresh.

Conclusion

Crispy Orange Shrimp is a delightful dish that balances sweet and spicy flavors, perfect as an appetizer or main course. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, and you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!

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