This Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp is a sweet and tangy dish that’s super quick to make! The juicy shrimp sizzle with a yummy orange sauce that has just the right kick of garlic.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a tasty meal in a flash! I love serving it over rice, so every bit of that sauce gets used—who could resist that? 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp is the star of the dish! If you’re allergic or don’t eat shrimp, try using chicken or firm tofu instead. Both options will soak up the sauce nicely.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor, but vegetable oil or sesame oil works too. Sesame oil can add a nice nutty taste to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that pungent flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder, about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove. But fresh is always better!
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal, but bottled orange juice can work in a pinch. You could also substitute it with lemon juice for a different zing.
Honey: If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar is a great substitute. Both will keep that sweetness while being plant-based.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep it from getting too salty. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is essential for the best texture! Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure shrimp are patted dry; excess moisture can steam them instead of searing.
- Heat oil until shimmering but not smoking before adding shrimp; this gives them a nice sear.
- Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This will ensure they sear rather than steam.
Following these tips will help you impress everyone with your perfectly cooked shrimp! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the shrimp get a nice sear! Then, season them lightly with salt and black pepper. Set them aside while you get everything else ready.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Once done, take the shrimp out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it burn—burnt garlic isn’t good!
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, add the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will bring out the flavors!
5. Combine the Shrimp and Sauce:
Next, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss the shrimp in the orange honey garlic sauce to coat them evenly. Let them cook together for another 1-2 minutes so everything gets heated through and the flavors meld perfectly.
6. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp for a pop of color. It adds a nice touch!
7. Serve:
Serve the shrimp hot with fluffy cooked white rice. Make sure to spoon some of that delicious sauce over the shrimp and rice for the best flavor!
Enjoy your vibrant, sweet, and garlicky Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. The best way is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a vegan option or don’t have honey on hand, maple syrup or agave nectar work great as substitutes. They will provide a similar sweetness and flavor without the animal product.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want more heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just cook the shrimp fresh when you’re ready to eat, and toss it all together. This will ensure the shrimp are perfectly tender and not overcooked!