Description
This Crispy Orange Shrimp recipe features perfectly fried shrimp coated in a light cornstarch batter, tossed in a tangy and sweet homemade orange sauce with hints of garlic, soy, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Quick to prepare and full of balanced flavors, it's an ideal appetizer or main dish served with rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 2 pounds medium to large shrimp (18-20 count, peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or more for frying)
Orange 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
Garnish
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, orange zest, orange juice, mirin, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Pat dry the shrimp: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the shrimp to ensure the coating adheres properly.
- Coat shrimp with cornstarch: Place the dried shrimp in a large bowl and add the cornstarch. Toss well until each shrimp is evenly coated.
- Heat oil: Pour about 1/2 cup of canola oil into a large frying pan to cover the bottom to about 1 inch depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Fry the shrimp: In batches, carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even frying.
- Drain fried shrimp: Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them onto a plate to drain excess oil. Do not use paper towels for draining as it may remove crispiness.
- Make the sauce: After frying all shrimp, remove excess oil from the pan. Reheat the pan and add the prepared orange sauce. Stir and heat the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add shrimp to sauce: Return the fried shrimp to the pan with the thickened orange sauce.
- Toss gently: Carefully toss the shrimp in the sauce to combine evenly without breaking the crispy coating. Cook for another 1-2 minutes allowing the sauce to coat the shrimp well.
- Serve: Immediately serve the crispy orange shrimp as an appetizer or with steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the shrimp are dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Use medium to large shrimp for easier frying and better texture.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different but equally delicious sweetness.
- Frying in batches avoids overcrowding, which keeps the shrimp crispy and evenly cooked.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their crispiest; the coating will soften if left too long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
