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Crispy Orange Shrimp Recipe

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4.3 from 236 reviews

Crispy Orange Shrimp is a deliciously vibrant dish featuring perfectly fried shrimp coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines the crunch of cornstarch-fried shrimp with a flavorful glaze made from fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Ideal for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or served over rice for a satisfying main course.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Shrimp

  • 2 pounds medium to large shrimp (18-20 count – peeled and deveined)
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup canola oil (or more, for frying)

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 mirin
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Garnishes

  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Combine sauce ingredients: Add minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, orange zest, orange juice, mirin, and crushed red pepper flakes to a small bowl. Whisk together until all ingredients are fully combined.
  2. Pat dry the shrimp: Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to thoroughly dry the shrimp. Place them in a large bowl and add the cornstarch. Toss the shrimp well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with cornstarch.
  3. Heat oil: Pour canola oil into a large frying pan to about 1 inch depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches appropriate frying temperature (approximately 350°F or until a small piece of cornstarch sizzles immediately upon contact).
  4. Fry the shrimp: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once fried, remove shrimp from the oil and drain them on a plate. Avoid using paper towels for draining to maintain crispiness.
  5. Make the sauce: Once all shrimp are fried, carefully drain the oil from the pan, leaving about a tablespoon of oil. Stir the prepared sauce mixture again, then pour it into the pan.
  6. Add shrimp: Heat the sauce gently for 1-2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Add the fried shrimp back to the pan.
  7. Toss to combine: Gently toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat evenly. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes allowing the sauce to thicken further and adhere well to the shrimp.
  8. Serve: Serve the crispy orange shrimp immediately as an appetizer or over steamed rice as a main dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the shrimp are patted completely dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan as this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy shrimp.
  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different but equally delicious sweetness.
  • If mirin is not available, a small amount of rice vinegar with added sugar can be used as a substitute.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian