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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Add shrimp: Heat the sauce gently for 1-2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Add the fried shrimp back to the pan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian