Honey Orange Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings a perfect blend of sweetness and zest to your table. This recipe is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family dinner, or just craving something delicious. The standout feature of this dish is its heavenly honey orange sauce, which elevates the crispy shrimp to new heights. Enjoy these sweet and spicy bites as an appetizer or main course!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Orange Shrimp
This dish offers a variety of benefits that make it a must-try.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, orange zest, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the flavor of the shrimp.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer or main course—this shrimp fits perfectly into any meal plan or occasion.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and spicy profile, making it great for family dinners.
- Ideal for Entertaining: Impress your guests with this stunning dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious Honey Orange Shrimp.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large bowl
- Large saucepan
- Paper towels
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients without spilling.
- Large saucepan: Ensures even cooking of the shrimp for that perfect golden brown finish.
- Paper towels: Helps remove excess oil from fried shrimp, keeping them crispy.
Ingredients
For this Honey Orange Shrimp recipe, gather the following ingredients:
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
How to Make Honey Orange Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
In a large bowl, season the shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in cornstarch until all shrimp are well coated. Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs one at a time.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the prepared shrimp in batches, cooking until they turn golden brown, about 1-2 minutes on each side. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In another pan over medium-low heat, combine honey, orange juice, orange zest, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground ginger. Bring this mixture to a boil, then simmer for about 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Serve
Toss or drizzle the honey orange sauce over the cooked shrimp before serving. Garnish with additional orange zest if desired for an extra burst of flavor!
How to Serve Honey Orange Shrimp
Serving Honey Orange Shrimp can elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish.
As an Appetizer
- Serve the shrimp on skewers for easy eating at parties.
- Pair with toothpicks and a small bowl of the honey orange sauce for dipping.
Over Rice
- Ladle the shrimp and sauce over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a filling main dish.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor.
In Tacos
- Use warm corn or flour tortillas to create delicious shrimp tacos.
- Top with shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
With Salad
- Toss the shrimp into a fresh green salad with mixed greens, avocado, and citrus segments.
- Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to complement the sweet and spicy flavors.
How to Perfect Honey Orange Shrimp
To achieve the best results, consider these tips for perfecting your Honey Orange Shrimp every time you make it.
- Choose fresh shrimp: Opt for medium-sized shrimp that are peeled and deveined for optimal flavor and texture.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook shrimp in batches to ensure they fry evenly and become crispy.
- Control oil temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding shrimp; this prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Adjust spice level: Modify the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the honey orange sauce in advance to save time during meal prep.
- Garnish generously: Don’t skip garnishing with orange zest; it enhances both presentation and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Orange Shrimp
Pairing sides with Honey Orange Shrimp can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steam broccoli florets for a nutritious side that balances the sweetness of the shrimp.
- Garlic Fried Rice: Make fried rice with garlic, peas, and carrots to add heartiness to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides freshness and contrasts nicely with the crispy shrimp.
- Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa with diced vegetables and lemon dressing for a healthy option rich in protein.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Bake sweet potato fries as a sweet contrast to the spiciness of the shrimp.
- Coconut Rice: Serve coconut rice infused with coconut milk for a tropical touch that complements the orange flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Honey Orange Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many shrimp at once can lead to steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches to ensure even crispiness.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Not seasoning the shrimp before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper for better taste.
- Using Old Shrimp: Freshness matters! Using shrimp that isn’t fresh will impact flavor and texture. Always check the date and smell before purchasing.
- Neglecting to Test Oil Temperature: If your oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp won’t cook properly. Use a thermometer or drop a small piece of shrimp in to test if it sizzles.
- Not Letting Sauce Thicken: Rushing through the sauce preparation can result in a watery glaze. Allow it to simmer until it thickens for the best coating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Instructions
- Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to remove excess air from bags.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey Orange Shrimp?
Honey Orange Shrimp is a delicious dish made with crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy honey orange sauce, perfect for appetizers or main courses.
Can I make Honey Orange Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Cook the shrimp just before serving for best results.
What can I serve with Honey Orange Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or as part of a seafood platter. It’s versatile enough for any meal!
How do I customize Honey Orange Shrimp?
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes. You can also enhance the flavor by using different citrus juices like lime or lemon.
Is Honey Orange Shrimp suitable for parties?
Absolutely! This dish works great as an appetizer at parties or gatherings, providing a delightful burst of flavor that guests will love.
Final Thoughts
Honey Orange Shrimp combines sweet and spicy flavors that make it irresistible. It’s perfect for various occasions—whether as an appetizer or main dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or sides to suit your taste preferences!
Honey Orange Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Honey Orange Shrimp, a dish that perfectly marries sweetness and zest. This easy-to-make recipe features crispy shrimp coated in a luscious honey orange sauce, making it an ideal choice for any occasion—from family dinners to festive gatherings. With its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course over rice or in tacos, Honey Orange Shrimp offers versatility and appeal for all palates.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper; coat with cornstarch and dip into beaten eggs.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; cook shrimp in batches until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- In another pan, combine honey, orange juice, zest, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and ginger; bring to a boil then simmer until thickened (1-2 minutes).
- Toss shrimp in sauce before serving; garnish with additional orange zest if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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