Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that brings together bright citrus, a kiss of sweetness, and the irresistible tender bite of perfectly seared shrimp, look no further than Honey Orange Shrimp. This recipe delivers all that in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect solution for weeknights or anytime you need a burst of fresh flavor without the fuss. Trust me, once you taste the glossy, sticky sauce clinging to plump shrimp, this recipe will become a new favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Orange Shrimp lies in how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create layers of vibrant flavor. Every element plays a special role, whether that’s bringing sweetness, tang, freshness, or a pop of color to your finished dish.
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show; look for firm, fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the shrimp a golden sear and a hint of richness; use a neutral olive oil to let the citrus shine.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the shrimp and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle bite and aromatic warmth.
- Orange juice (1/2 cup, freshly squeezed preferred): The secret to a bright and tangy sauce; fresh juice makes a world of difference.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Provides natural sweetness and creates that sticky glaze we all love.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a savory depth and balances out the sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lifts the flavors with gentle acidity, keeping the sauce lively.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the orange aroma; don’t skip this for the best citrus punch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with an irresistible savory backbone.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Brightens everything up with its warm, zingy bite.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the sauce to that silky, clingy consistency.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Adds freshness and a visual pop to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Honey Orange Shrimp
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl and whisking together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange zest, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This vibrant blend will be the backbone of your Honey Orange Shrimp, bringing that sweet, tangy, and savory combination we absolutely love. Set the sauce aside so it’s ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Make sure those shrimp are peeled and deveined, then gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp sear beautifully and keeps them from steaming in the pan. Season the shrimp on both sides with salt and black pepper to lay a perfect flavor foundation.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if needed, to ensure even cooking. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, just until they turn bright pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery quickly, so keep an eye on them! Once done, take the shrimp out and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
With all the flavorful bits still in the skillet, pour in your prepped orange-honey sauce. Bring it up to a simmer and let those aromatics bloom for a minute. Give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir, then pour it into the bubbling sauce. Stir well and watch the sauce thicken within 2–3 minutes, transforming into a glossy, clingy marvel.
Step 5: Toss Shrimp in the Sauce
Slide the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing them so each piece is completely coated in the sticky, flavorful sauce. Let everything heat through for another 1–2 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to meld and the shrimp to soak up all those zesty, sweet notes. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, and get ready to dig in.
How to Serve Honey Orange Shrimp
Garnishes
For a stunning finish, I always like to scatter freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top of my Honey Orange Shrimp. Not only do they make the dish pop visually, but they also add a hint of freshness and a little toasty crunch to every bite.
Side Dishes
Honey Orange Shrimp truly shines when paired with the right sides. Serve it over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or nutty quinoa to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. If you’re craving more greens, pair with quickly stir-fried vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or baby bok choy to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Spoon your Honey Orange Shrimp onto a bed of lettuce leaves for a fun, fresh twist—perfect for casual gatherings or light dinners. Or serve it as an appetizer in small, pretty bowls at your next party. For a bold weeknight dinner, try piling them high on citrusy soba noodles with extra orange zest for even more zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Honey Orange Shrimp left (which is rare around here!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers a delicious treat for lunch or another quick dinner.
Freezing
While freshly made shrimp is always ideal, you can freeze Honey Orange Shrimp if needed. Place cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat Honey Orange Shrimp gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of orange juice to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Honey Orange Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This will help you achieve that gorgeous sear and avoid excess water in the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this Honey Orange Shrimp is a fantastic gluten-free option for the whole family to enjoy.
Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?
Definitely! Maple syrup brings a slightly different, more earthy sweetness that pairs well with orange. The dish will still be delicious, just a little more complex and extra cozy.
What other proteins work in place of shrimp?
You can easily swap in bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or firm tofu for a different twist on Honey Orange Shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure your protein is fully cooked.
How do I make the sauce extra thick and glossy?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add another half teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water, and simmer until you reach your desired consistency, keeping a close eye to prevent over-thickening.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright joyful about digging into a plate of Honey Orange Shrimp—the bright citrus, sweet sauce, and succulent shrimp are a combination that never fails to please. I hope you give this recipe a try soon, and let it bring a little sunshine to your dinner table. Once you taste it, I have a feeling you’ll be making it again and again!
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Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make dish, Honey Orange Shrimp is a flavorful Asian-inspired recipe that combines succulent shrimp with a sweet and tangy orange-honey sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Orange-Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange zest, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Orange-Honey Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat with the sauce, and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Delicious served over rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
