This Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp is a sweet and tangy dish that comes together quickly. Juicy shrimp are coated in a sticky glaze made with fresh orange juice and honey!
The best part? This meal is ready in no time, making it perfect for busy nights. Pair it with rice, and you’ll have dinner sorted! I can’t resist the sweet aroma filling my kitchen! 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well. If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw and dry them completely. If you want a vegetarian option, stir-fried tofu can be a great substitute!
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brings a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled juice works in a pinch, but choose 100% pure orange juice without added sugars or preservatives.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness that balances the dish. If you’re vegan or avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be great alternatives!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds umami depth. You can use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. For a gluten-free option, tamari works perfectly.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is best for flavor, but you can omit it or use ground ginger if that’s what you have on hand. Start with a smaller amount if using ground, as it’s stronger.
How Do I Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky since they cook quickly. Here’s how to make sure they stay tender and juicy:
- Season shrimp lightly before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high to get a nice sear without burning.
- Sprinkle shrimp lightly with salt and pepper just before adding to the skillet.
- Quickly sauté the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove them from heat as soon as they’re done; they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked shrimp every time. This dish is not just fast but also burst with flavors—enjoy your meal!
How to Make Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or to taste (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 6-8 minutes to cook. In just under 20 minutes, you’ll have a scrumptious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and then pat them dry using paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Sauté the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. If you’re using ginger, add it at this point as well and sauté for a few seconds more.
4. Combine Ingredients for the Sauce:
Next, lower the heat to medium and pour in the fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes (if you like some heat). Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes so it can reduce and thicken slightly.
5. Add Shrimp Back to the Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently to coat evenly with the orange honey garlic sauce. Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes, just to warm the shrimp back up.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Serve your Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp immediately, and it goes perfectly over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables!
Enjoy your sweet, tangy, and garlicky shrimp! They are bound to impress whoever enjoys this delicious meal with you.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to pat them dry before seasoning!
How Can I Store Leftover Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or you can use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works great! Just use the same amount for a similar sweetness. If you’re interested in a sugar-free option, you could try a sugar-free syrup instead.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
To add more heat, simply increase the amount of chili flakes you use. You can also add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce when mixing in the sauce for an extra kick!
