Crispy Orange Shrimp is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines crispy, golden-brown shrimp with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce. This recipe brings together the best of takeout-style orange shrimp with the satisfaction of a homemade meal. The perfectly battered and fried shrimp are coated in a luscious orange glaze, creating a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality shrimp in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: The shrimp are coated in a light, crunchy batter that holds up beautifully under the sauce.
- Bold, Fresh Flavors: The orange sauce is sweet, tangy, and balanced with a touch of heat.
- Better Than Takeout: Skip the restaurant and make this delicious dish at home.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Elegant Presentation: Impress your family or guests with a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even zoodles for a low-carb option.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Serving Size: 6-8 shrimp
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Thinly sliced orange wedges
For Serving
- Steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Beat the eggs in a separate shallow dish.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
- Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, then return to the flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Place the coated shrimp on a plate or tray and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accurate temperature control.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
- Transfer the fried shrimp to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm orange sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and orange wedges, if desired.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredient Background
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well. Tail-on shrimp provide a beautiful presentation, but you can use fully peeled shrimp for easier eating.
- Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide a bright, tangy flavor.
- Cornstarch: Used in both the batter and the sauce, cornstarch ensures crispy shrimp and a silky glaze.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the orange and soy sauce.
- Chili Flakes: Optional but adds a mild heat that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Technique Tips
- Dry the Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry helps the batter adhere better.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F to ensure crispy, golden shrimp without absorbing excess oil.
- Toss Gently: When coating the shrimp in sauce, toss gently to avoid breaking the crispy coating.
- Thicken Sauce Gradually: Add the cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Serve Immediately: The shrimp are best enjoyed fresh and hot to retain their crispy texture.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Shrimp Bowls: Serve over rice or quinoa with steamed broccoli and carrots for a complete meal.
- Orange Shrimp Tacos: Stuff the shrimp into tortillas with cabbage slaw and a drizzle of sauce.
- Appetizer Platter: Serve the shrimp on skewers with orange wedges and dipping sauce for an appetizer.
- Noodle Stir-Fry: Toss the shrimp and sauce with stir-fried noodles and vegetables for a hearty dish.
Additional Tips for Success
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, make a larger batch to drizzle over your sides.
- Use a Wire Rack: Place fried shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness.
- Marinate the Shrimp: For more flavor, marinate the shrimp in soy sauce and garlic for 10 minutes before battering.
- Low-Calorie Option: Bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying for a lighter version.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Orange Shrimp: Increase chili flakes or add sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
- Pineapple Orange Shrimp: Add diced pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
- Coconut Orange Shrimp: Use coconut milk in the sauce and coat the shrimp in shredded coconut before frying.
- Vegetarian Orange Glaze: Use the sauce on tofu, cauliflower, or tempeh for a plant-based dish.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice with cauliflower rice or serve the shrimp over a bed of greens.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, battered shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag once frozen, and fry directly from frozen.
- Storage: Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat shrimp in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness. Reheat sauce on the stovetop or microwave.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Bake Instead of Fry: Place battered shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook shrimp in an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes for a lighter alternative.
- Reduce Sugar: Replace honey with a natural sweetener or use less to lower sugar content.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas into the dish for added nutrients.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Dinner Party Entrée: Serve with jasmine rice, sautéed green beans, and orange slices for an elegant main course.
- Appetizer Platter: Arrange shrimp on skewers with dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Family-Style Meal: Pair with egg rolls, fried rice, and a simple cucumber salad for a takeout-inspired dinner.
- Special Occasion Dish: Plate with garlic butter asparagus and roasted potatoes for a more formal meal.
Special Equipment
- Wok or Deep Skillet: For frying the shrimp.
- Thermometer: To monitor oil temperature for consistent frying results.
- Zester: Essential for getting fresh orange zest.
- Whisk: For blending the sauce and cornstarch slurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight before using. - What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can fry the shrimp and reheat them in the oven before tossing in the sauce. - How do I make the dish spicier?
Add more chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. - What’s a good side dish for this recipe?
Steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light Asian slaw are great pairings. - Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but fresh orange juice and zest provide the brightest flavor. - How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Ensure the shrimp are dry before battering and fry at the correct temperature to set the coating. - Can I use other proteins?
Yes, chicken, tofu, or fish fillets work well with the same preparation.
Conclusion
Crispy Orange Shrimp is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re recreating your favorite takeout or impressing dinner guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with ease. Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal that’s packed with flavor. Customize the heat level, experiment with variations, and enjoy the satisfaction of making this delicious dish at home. Happy cooking!
PrintCrispy Orange Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Thinly sliced orange wedges
For Serving
- Steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Beat the eggs in a separate shallow dish.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
- Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, then return to the flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Place the coated shrimp on a plate or tray and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accurate temperature control.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
- Transfer the fried shrimp to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm orange sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and orange wedges, if desired.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 shrimp
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g