If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, comes together in a flash, and looks like it leaped off a restaurant menu, then Honey Orange Shrimp absolutely deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. This recipe delivers juicy, tender shrimp glazed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly savory sauce that’s pure sunshine on a plate. Every bite is a perfect harmony of citrus brightness and honeyed warmth, with just a kiss of ginger to make things pop. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or to impress guests, Honey Orange Shrimp is guaranteed to bring smiles around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll be amazed at how these simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each one plays a crucial role, from building layers of flavor to adding color and a bit of crunch.
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for juicy, succulent bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: A drizzle helps the shrimp sear quickly and evenly, lending a subtle richness.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that bright, zesty backbone in the sauce.
- Honey: The star sweetener that gives Honey Orange Shrimp its signature glossy finish and depth.
- Soy sauce: Balances the sweetness with savory umami and a touch of color.
- Rice vinegar: Just a splash perks up the sauce and balances the honey’s richness.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds a zingy freshness that cuts through the sweetness.
- Cornstarch slurry (optional): For those who love a thick, sticky sauce, this quick mix makes it happen.
- Green onions: Sliced for garnish, they offer crunch and a mild, peppery note.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for a nutty finish and a pretty presentation.
How to Make Honey Orange Shrimp
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry and tossing them in a bowl with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures that every bite is flavorful, and it helps the shrimp caramelize beautifully in the skillet.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering and hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t crowd the pan—good searing means more flavor! Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Honey Orange Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—watch closely, as garlic can burn quickly. Pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you love your Honey Orange Shrimp with a glossy, clingy sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for another minute or so, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your liking. This step is optional but adds a lovely, restaurant-style finish.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until every piece is coated and glistening. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Honey Orange Shrimp
Garnishes
Once your Honey Orange Shrimp is ready, don’t skimp on the finishing touches! A scatter of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds not only make it gorgeous but also add pops of flavor and crunch. For extra citrusy flair, add a bit of finely grated orange zest right before serving—it brightens up the whole dish and makes it truly special.
Side Dishes
This vibrant shrimp pairs perfectly with a bed of fluffy steamed rice, nutty quinoa, or even a tangle of noodles to soak up all that luscious sauce. Looking for a veggie boost? Quickly sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or baby broccoli add color, crunch, and extra nutrition alongside your Honey Orange Shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Honey Orange Shrimp in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held appetizer. Layer them over a crisp Asian-style slaw for a refreshing salad. Or, pile the shrimp onto a platter with colorful veggies and let everyone build their own rice bowls—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Honey Orange Shrimp cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors become even more pronounced overnight, making for a delicious lunch the next day!
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen after cooking, the texture is at its best when fresh. If you do freeze leftovers, use a freezer-safe container and enjoy within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery. Add a splash of orange juice or water if the sauce needs loosening up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking so they sear properly and the sauce clings beautifully.
Is there a gluten-free option for Honey Orange Shrimp?
Yes, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce and double-check that all your condiments are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or even thinly sliced carrots add color and crunch. Sauté them right after the shrimp and before making the sauce for best results.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, use the optional cornstarch slurry as described. If you like a thinner, lighter glaze, simply skip the slurry—the sauce will still coat the shrimp nicely.
What’s the best way to get extra orange flavor?
Add a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the sauce or sprinkle it over the finished dish—this really amps up the fresh citrus notes in your Honey Orange Shrimp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the sweet-tangy combo in Honey Orange Shrimp—it’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Give it a try, get creative with your sides and garnishes, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a new household favorite!
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Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Honey Orange Shrimp is a quick and flavorful Asian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp glazed in a sweet and tangy honey orange sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines fresh citrus, garlic, and ginger for a vibrant stir-fry that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for thicker sauce)
Garnish
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Optional sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper, ensuring all pieces are evenly seasoned for balanced flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated fresh ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry made from cornstarch mixed with water. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Toss shrimp in sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the sauce to coat evenly and warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For an extra citrus kick, add some orange zest to the sauce before simmering.
- Serve this dish over steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite noodles to make it a full meal.
- Optional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can be added to the skillet for added color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
