Crispy Orange Shrimp

Introduction

Crispy Orange Shrimp is a delectable dish that combines the perfect balance of crispy, golden shrimp and a tangy, sweet orange glaze. The crispy coating on the shrimp adds a satisfying crunch, while the zesty orange sauce infuses each bite with a burst of citrusy flavor.
I first made this dish when I wanted something both light and flavorful, and it quickly became a favorite. The sweet and tangy sauce is so refreshing, and it pairs wonderfully with the crispy shrimp. It’s a dish that works well for so many occasions, whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a party or as the main attraction at dinner.
With its bright, refreshing taste and satisfying crunch, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers and anyone looking for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing treat. The combination of crispy shrimp and the vibrant orange sauce is sure to impress every time!

Perfect for:

• Appetizers or finger foods
• Family dinners
• Seafood lovers
• Holiday gatherings
• Parties and gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Orange Shrimp

Here’s why Crispy Orange Shrimp will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Crispy and Crunchy: The shrimp are coated in a light, crispy batter that provides the perfect crunch with each bite.
• Sweet and Tangy Sauce: The orange glaze is a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy, bringing an irresistible citrusy flavor to the shrimp.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a short prep time, this dish is easy to whip up in no time.
• Perfect for Entertaining: This dish makes a stunning appetizer or snack that is sure to please your guests.
• Versatile: You can serve this shrimp over rice, alongside vegetables, or even as a topping for salads.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 24g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crispy Orange Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¾ cup cold water (or sparkling water for extra crispiness)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 orange)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Green onions, for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp are the best choice for this dish, ensuring a juicy bite with a crispy exterior.
• Cornstarch: A key ingredient for creating that perfectly crispy batter on the shrimp.
• Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh orange juice and zest give the sauce its vibrant citrus flavor, while the zest adds a fragrant, aromatic touch.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and the acidity of the orange juice.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty, aromatic flavor that enhances the citrusy notes in the dish.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the orange sauce perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crispy Orange Shrimp:

Prepare the Shrimp and Batter:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for easy handling.
2. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the cold water (or sparkling water), whisking until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the shrimp.
3. Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large pan or wok to submerge the shrimp, about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a thermometer or drop a small amount of batter into the oil to see if it sizzles.

Fry the Shrimp:

4. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently drop the shrimp into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to remove the shrimp and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Orange Sauce:

5. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Add Orange Zest: Stir in the orange zest and let the sauce cook for another minute. Once thickened, remove from heat.

Coat the Shrimp and Serve:

7. Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the crispy shrimp in the orange sauce until they are well coated.
8. Serve: Plate the shrimp and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

How to Serve Crispy Orange Shrimp

Crispy Orange Shrimp can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with a side of dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.
• With a Side of Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with sautéed or steamed vegetables for a balanced dish.
• On a Salad: Serve the shrimp on top of a fresh salad for a light and flavorful meal.
• As Part of a Festive Meal: This dish is great for holiday gatherings or as part of a larger seafood feast.

Additional Tips for Crispy Orange Shrimp

Here are some tips to ensure your Crispy Orange Shrimp turn out perfect every time:

• Use Sparkling Water for Extra Crispiness: For an even lighter, crispier batter, try using sparkling water instead of regular cold water.
• Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the shrimp, as it can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
• Test the Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn quickly; if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb excess oil. Use a thermometer for precise control.
• Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: You can prepare the orange sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Simply reheat it before tossing the shrimp.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to remove them from the oil as soon as they turn golden brown and crispy to avoid overcooking.

Recipe Variations for Crispy Orange Shrimp

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crispy Orange Shrimp:

• Crispy Lemon Shrimp: Swap the orange juice and zest for lemon for a bright, tangy variation.
• Honey Orange Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a touch of natural sweetness.
• Spicy Orange Shrimp: Increase the chili flakes or add some chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a spicier version.
• Coconut-Crusted Shrimp: Coat the shrimp in shredded coconut before frying for a tropical twist.
• Pineapple Orange Shrimp: Add a small amount of pineapple juice to the sauce for a tropical sweetness.
• Garlic Orange Shrimp: Add a bit of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a savory, aromatic flavor.
• Orange Teriyaki Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce to the orange sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
• Orange and Basil Shrimp: Garnish the shrimp with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, herbal note.
• Orange Chili Lime Shrimp: Replace the orange juice with a combination of orange and lime juice for a citrusy twist.
• Tempura Orange Shrimp: Use a tempura batter for an even lighter, crispier shrimp coating.

Freezing and Storage for Crispy Orange Shrimp

• Freezing: You can freeze the fried shrimp before tossing them in the sauce. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat the shrimp in the oven before tossing in the sauce.
• Storage: Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the shrimp in the oven or a skillet for the best results.

Special Equipment for Crispy Orange Shrimp

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crispy Orange Shrimp easier:

• Deep Fryer or Frying Pan: A deep fryer or a large, heavy pan is essential for frying the shrimp to perfection.
• Thermometer: A kitchen thermometer will help you maintain the ideal oil temperature for frying.
• Mixing Bowls: Use a large bowl for tossing the shrimp in the sauce.
• Tongs: Tongs are helpful for gently placing the shrimp into the hot oil and removing them when they’re done.
• Saucepan: A small saucepan is ideal for making the orange sauce.
• Wire Rack or Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried shrimp, place them on a wire rack or paper towels.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crispy Orange Shrimp

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1-2 hours.
3. Can I make the sauce in advance?
   Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
4. How do I know when the shrimp are done frying?
   The shrimp should be golden brown and crispy. They usually take about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Crispy Orange Shrimp is the perfect balance of crispy, golden shrimp paired with a sweet and tangy orange sauce that packs a punch of citrusy flavor. This dish is simple to prepare yet feels incredibly special, making it perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to festive occasions. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main dish, or side, the satisfying crunch and vibrant sauce will surely make this a crowd favorite.

The best part? You can tweak the sauce to your taste, making it sweeter or zestier depending on your preference. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these shrimp are bound to be a hit.

I’d love to see how your Crispy Orange Shrimp turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me. I can’t wait to see your delicious creation! Happy cooking!