There’s nothing quite like the sweet and tangy scent of fresh oranges wafting through your kitchen. It transports me to sunny days by the beach, and that’s exactly the kind of joy I felt when I first tried my hand at making Crispy Orange Shrimp. This dish not only delivers a burst of flavor but also brings a vibrant twist to the dinner table. Perfect for those evenings when you crave something special yet quick, this recipe turns humble shrimp into a gourmet experience.
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In just 30 minutes, you’ll transform ordinary ingredients into an eye-catching dish that’s crunchy on the outside and succulent within. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or impressing friends at a gathering, simply drizzle the shrimp with your homemade orange sauce and watch everyone’s faces light up. Let’s dive into this satisfying recipe that’s sure to excite your palate and change the way you think about weeknight meals!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Orange Shrimp
- This Crispy Orange Shrimp recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner party.
- The delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors infuses each bite, ensuring a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
- Not only does it look stunning on the plate, but the crispy texture will have everyone going back for more.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course, allowing you to impress any crowd with minimal effort.
Crispy Orange Shrimp Ingredients
• Let’s gather what you need for this flavorful dish!
For the Shrimp
• 1 pound large shrimp – deveined and peeled for a tender bite.
For the Coating
• 1 cup flour – provides a delightful crunch when fried.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch – helps to achieve that extra crispy texture.
For the Orange Sauce
• 1 egg – binds the coating and adds richness.
• 1 cup fresh orange juice – brings the vibrant, citrusy flavor.
• 1 zest fresh oranges – adds a zesty aroma for an extra kick.
• ¼ cup sugar – balances the tartness of the orange juice.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – adds umami depth to the sauce.
• 1 clove garlic – introduces a savory note, minced for maximum impact.
• 1 teaspoon ginger – fresh and grated, it brings warmth to the sauce.
For the Garnish
• green onions – chopped for a fresh and crunchy topping.
• sesame seeds – for sprinkling on top, adding a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Dive into this Crispy Orange Shrimp recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
How to Make Crispy Orange Shrimp
Coat the Shrimp: Start by generously coating your deveined and peeled shrimp with a mixture of flour and cornstarch. The combination will prepare them for that irresistible crunch when fried.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well until all ingredients are blended and the sugar is dissolved.
Dip the Shrimp: Next, take those coated shrimp and dip them into your delicious orange sauce, making sure they’re well coated to absorb all the mouthwatering flavors.
Heat and Fry: In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry the shrimp in batches until they turn crispy and golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
Drain Excess Oil: Carefully remove the shrimp from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step ensures your shrimp stay crispy!
Serve and Garnish: Finally, serve your crispy orange shrimp hot, topped with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that added crunch and flavor contrast.
Optional: Serve with a wedge of lime for a zesty kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Orange Shrimp
Fridge: Keep leftover crispy orange shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flavor and texture while preventing moisture buildup.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it may result in a soggy texture.
Sauce Storage: Store any leftover orange sauce in the fridge for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy it with other dishes.
Crispy Orange Shrimp Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Crispy Orange Shrimp with these exciting variations!
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to coat your shrimp instead of regular flour for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Coconut Twist: Substitute half of the flour with shredded coconut for a tropical twist that adds a subtly sweet flavor and chewy texture.
Spicy Kick: Mix some chili paste or red pepper flakes into the orange sauce for an electrifying heat that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Orange Substitutions: Experiment with other citrus fruits like grapefruit or lemon juice, adjusting the sugar content to balance the tartness for a refreshing change.
Panko Crunch: Swap out regular flour for panko breadcrumbs to achieve an ultra-crispy crust that elevates the texture of the shrimp.
Baked Version: For a healthier twist, bake the coated shrimp at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through.
Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the egg mixture for a fragrant twist that introduces a burst of freshness in every bite.
Sesame Flavor: Incorporate a dash of sesame oil into the sauce for a nutty and fragrant kick, perfect for pairing with the shrimp’s crispy texture.
Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite take on this delicious dish!
What to Serve with Crispy Orange Shrimp?
Elevate your dining experience by pairing this vibrant dish with delightful sides that tantalize the taste buds.
Steamed Jasmine Rice: Its delicate aroma and fluffy texture soak up the orange sauce beautifully, creating a harmonious balance.
Garlic Sautéed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of the broccoli contrasts perfectly, adding an earthy note and vibrant color to your meal. It’s a wonderful way to bring out the fresh flavors of the shrimp.
Chilled Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing provide a refreshing crunch that complements the shrimp’s crispy exterior.
Coconut Curry Soup: This creamy, fragrant soup offers a rich backdrop that enhances the citrusy notes, making for a cozy pairing that warms your soul.
Mango Salsa: Sweet and fruity, this salsa adds brightness and a tropical twist to every bite, enriching the overall flavor profile.
Peach Iced Tea: A refreshing drink with a hint of sweetness, it balances the savory and tangy elements of the dish, making each sip a delight.
Sesame Noodles: Cold, tangy, and nutty, these noodles offer a satisfying chewiness that pairs naturally with the crispy shrimp.
Mochi Ice Cream: For dessert, these little treats provide a chewy and delightful finish to your meal, perfectly complementing the zesty flavors of the evening.
Indulging in these pairings ensures a delightful feast that keeps the excitement going, making your dinner not just a meal, but a memory.
Make Ahead Options
Crispy Orange Shrimp is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to simplify weeknight dinners! You can coat the shrimp in flour and cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container to maintain their quality. Additionally, the orange sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring those vibrant flavors are ready to go. When you’re ready to serve, simply dip the pre-coated shrimp into the sauce and fry them fresh for that perfect crunch. This method keeps your dish just as delicious while saving you valuable time when life gets hectic!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect crispy texture in your Crispy Orange Shrimp, be sure to coat the shrimp evenly with the flour and cornstarch mixture before dipping them in the egg wash.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to ensure that each shrimp cooks evenly and achieves that desired golden brown color.
- When mixing the sauce ingredients, make sure to dissolve the sugar completely to prevent any graininess in the final dish.
- Fry the shrimp at a medium temperature; too high and they may burn before cooking through, and too low will result in soggy shrimp.
Crispy Orange Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right shrimp?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Crispy Orange Shrimp, look for large shrimp that are firm, translucent, and have a mild, ocean-like scent. Avoid shrimp that have black spots on their shells or are overly slimy, as these can indicate spoilage. If possible, opt for wild-caught varieties for a fresher taste!
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very! After enjoying your delicious meal, store any leftover crispy orange shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flavor and texture while preventing moisture buildup. If you find the shrimp losing their crispiness, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which will bring back some of that delightful crunch!
Can I freeze crispy orange shrimp?
Indeed! To freeze, place the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat from frozen in the oven so they retain that crispy exterior.
What should I do if my shrimp aren’t crispy?
Oh no! If your shrimp aren’t coming out crispy, there could be a couple of reasons. Firstly, make sure the oil in your pan is hot enough—around 350°F (175°C)—before adding the shrimp. Frying in batches rather than crowding the pan allows for better heat circulation and helps achieve that golden crunch. If the coating is too thick, it can retain moisture, so ensure you’re using an even, thin layer of flour and cornstarch.
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Absolutely! If you or your guests have allergies, ensure the shrimp are thoroughly deveined and peeled to avoid shellfish allergies. The sauce contains soy sauce, which can contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, choose tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Additionally, feel free to adjust the sugar level in the sauce according to your taste, or substitute it with natural sweeteners like honey if needed.
Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Yes, the more the merrier! While this recipe is tailored for shrimp, you can definitely experiment with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian alternative. If using chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces and follow the same coating and frying steps. For tofu, press and drain the tofu block to remove excess moisture, then slice and coat similarly before cooking. Enjoy your culinary creativity!
Crispy Orange Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Coat the Shrimp: Start by generously coating your deveined and peeled shrimp with a mixture of flour and cornstarch.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Dip the Shrimp: Take the coated shrimp and dip them into your orange sauce, ensuring they absorb the flavors.
- Heat and Fry: In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry shrimp in batches until crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove shrimp from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
