Description
Crispy Orange Shrimp features perfectly fried shrimp coated in a light cornstarch batter, tossed in a vibrant, homemade orange sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice. This appetizer or main dish balances crunch and tangy sweetness, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
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
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
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, mirin, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until fully blended.
- Coat the Shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in a large bowl and toss with the cornstarch until each shrimp is evenly coated.
- Heat the Oil: Pour canola oil into a large frying pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature suitable for frying (around 350°F or when a small piece of cornstarch sizzles upon contact).
- Fry the Shrimp: Working in small batches to prevent overcrowding, fry the shrimp in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn the shrimp carefully. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness.
- Drain the Shrimp: Remove the fried shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate without paper towels to preserve their crunchy texture.
- Finish the Sauce and Combine: Drain the oil from the pan. Give the sauce mixture a quick whisk and pour it into the same pan. Heat for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened, then add the shrimp back in. Gently toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat them evenly without breaking the crisp coating.
- Serve: Serve the crispy orange shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This dish works well as an appetizer or served over rice as a main course.
Notes
- To keep the shrimp crispy, fry them in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
- Pat shrimp dry thoroughly before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Whisk the sauce again before adding it to the pan to re-incorporate any settled honey.
- Pour out the frying oil before adding the sauce to keep the flavor clean and avoid greasiness.
- Serve shrimp hot and fresh for best texture and flavor.
- Precooked shrimp can be used as a time-saving alternative but adjust frying time accordingly.
- Canola oil is recommended for neutral flavor, but sesame or olive oil also work well for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
