This Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp dish is a tasty treat that’s quick to make! With sweet orange juice and sticky honey, every bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, garlic gives it a kick!
You won’t believe how fast this comes together. I love serving it over rice or noodles. It’s the perfect way to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this dish, but you can use medium or even smaller ones if that’s what you have. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider substituting shrimp with tofu or chickpeas for a similar texture.
Olive oil or butter: Both add great flavor, but olive oil keeps it lighter. You could use avocado oil if you need a higher smoke point. For a dairy-free version, stick with olive oil.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for a delicious, aromatic flavor. You can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch, but fresh is always better. If you love garlic, feel free to add more than the recipe calls for!
Orange juice: Fresh juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works if you’re in a hurry. You can also use lemon juice for a different, tangy taste. Add a bit of zest to the juice for extra flavor!
Honey: This ingredient adds sweetness. You can substitute maple syrup or agave syrup if you’re looking for a vegan option. Adjust the amount if you want it less sweet.
Soy sauce: This adds saltiness and umami. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari as a substitute. For a soy-free option, coconut aminos work well too!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky—they can go from perfectly cooked to overdone quickly! Here’s how to avoid that:
- Use medium-high heat for a fast cook. Shrimp only need about 2-3 minutes on each side, so watch them closely!
- They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Pull them off the heat right when they look ready to avoid overcooking.
- Remember to give them space in the skillet to cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding; do it in batches if necessary.
- Let them soak in the flavorful sauce for just a minute to absorb the taste without cooking further.
With these tips, you’ll master shrimp cooking in no time!
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 or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of cooking, totaling around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick). Set this flavorful sauce aside for later.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. You want it quite warm to sauté the garlic and shrimp perfectly.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and quickly sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, add the shrimp to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. This means they’re cooked through!
5. Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared orange honey sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Stir well to coat the shrimp, and let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will give the sauce time to thicken slightly and become super tasty.
6. Toss with Green Onions:
Remove the skillet from heat and toss the shrimp with sliced green onions for a fresh, crunchy element.
7. Serve Hot:
Serve your delicious Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp hot over a bed of cooked white rice. Top it off with chopped fresh cilantro for a lovely garnish.
Enjoy your flavorful Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely first. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by quickly thawing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Orange Juice?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh orange juice, bottled juice works just fine. Just look for one without added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like some heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste, or even add a splash of hot sauce to the orange honey sauce. Fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers can also be sautéed with the garlic for extra spice!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp fresh right before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
