Honey Orange Shrimp

Honey Orange Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party or looking for a quick family dinner, this recipe stands out with its crispy texture and heavenly honey orange sauce. It’s an easy-to-make option that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Orange Shrimp

This dish isn’t just about great taste; it offers several appealing qualities.

• Easy to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and fresh orange juice creates a uniquely sweet and spicy flavor that elevates the humble shrimp.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer or serve it as a main dish with rice or noodles.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Its irresistible taste makes it a favorite at parties and gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
• Healthy Seafood Choice: Shrimp is a lean protein, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to make Honey Orange Shrimp.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Large saucepan
• Paper towels
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Ideal for seasoning and coating the shrimp evenly before cooking.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs smoothly, ensuring they coat the shrimp well.
• Large saucepan: Necessary for frying the shrimp quickly and achieving that golden-brown crispiness.

Ingredients

To create this delectable Honey Orange Shrimp, gather the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Kosher salt and 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

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Honey Orange Shrimp.

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

In a large bowl, season the shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add cornstarch and gently toss until all shrimp are coated.

Step 2: Prepare for Frying

One at a time, dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs. Ensure they are fully coated before proceeding.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the shrimp. Cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Honey Orange Sauce

In another saucepan 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 and simmer until thickened (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 5: Serve

Serve your crispy honey orange shrimp immediately! You may toss them in the honey mixture or drizzle it over them. Garnish with additional orange zest if desired.

How to Serve Honey Orange Shrimp

Honey Orange Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, these suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Appetizer Platter

• Arrange the honey orange shrimp on a platter, garnished with fresh orange slices for color and extra flavor.

Over Rice

• Serve the shrimp over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious honey orange sauce.

Salad Topping

• Add the shrimp to a mixed greens salad for a refreshing meal. The sweet and spicy flavors will complement the greens beautifully.

Tacos

• Use small tortillas to create shrimp tacos topped with avocado and cilantro for a fun twist on this dish.

With Noodles

• Toss the honey orange shrimp with noodles, such as soba or rice noodles, for an Asian-inspired meal.

How to Perfect Honey Orange Shrimp

Perfecting Honey Orange Shrimp involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if necessary. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance; more flakes mean more heat!
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Simmer the sauce until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, ensuring it clings well to the shrimp.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your honey orange shrimp hot from the pan for optimal taste and texture.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to enhance presentation and flavor even further.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Orange Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with honey orange shrimp can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out the sweetness of the shrimp.
2. Fried Rice: A simple fried rice dish can absorb all those delicious sauces, making it a perfect accompaniment.
3. Coconut Rice: The creaminess of coconut rice pairs well with sweet shrimp, creating a tropical feel.
4. Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic bread can serve as a great vehicle for any leftover sauce.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the shrimp.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with vegetables keeps things healthy while offering hearty texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Orange Shrimp, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Overseasoning the shrimp: Adding too much salt or pepper can overpower the dish. Use a light hand and taste as you go.
• Not drying the shrimp: If shrimp are wet, the cornstarch won’t adhere properly. Pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
• Ignoring oil temperature: Cooking shrimp in oil that’s not hot enough can make them soggy. Ensure the oil is hot enough to fry immediately.
• Rushing the sauce: Allow the honey orange sauce to thicken properly. This step enhances flavor and texture, so be patient!
• Skipping garnishes: Garnishes like orange zest add visual appeal and additional flavor. Don’t skip this final touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Honey Orange Shrimp in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

• Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honey Orange Shrimp?

Honey Orange Shrimp is a delicious dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy honey-orange sauce. It’s perfect for appetizers or main courses.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.

How spicy is Honey Orange Shrimp?

The spiciness level can be adjusted by changing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes used in the sauce. Feel free to add more or less according to your taste.

Can I customize the sauce?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like soy sauce or sesame oil for extra depth of flavor, making your Honey Orange Shrimp even more unique.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Orange Shrimp recipe offers a delightful blend of sweetness and spice that makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or serve it alongside rice or veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy trying this versatile dish!