The Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp is an exquisite blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. Its vibrant color and aroma are bound to take your dining experience to a whole new level. This dish is not only pleasing to the palate but also visually stunning, making it perfect for a dinner party or a special family meal.
Photos of Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
The key ingredients to this dish are fresh shrimp and orange. It's always best to use fresh shrimp, but frozen can work too, just ensure they have been completely thawed before cooking. The orange gives the dish its distinctive tangy flavor, if you can, choose a fresh, juicy orange for the best results. Red pepper flakes are the secret to the 'firecracker' aspect of the dish, providing a spicy kick. They are commonly found in the spice section of any supermarket.
Ingredients for the Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp
Garlic: Used to add a subtle depth and aromatic flavor.
Soy sauce: Provides a umami, salty taste.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness to counterbalance the spiciness.
Orange: Provides a tanginess that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Orange juice: Enhances the orange flavor in the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
Shrimp: The main ingredient, adds a distinctive seafood flavor.
Cornstarch: Helps to crisp up the shrimp when fried.
Canola oil: Used for frying the shrimp.
Green onions: Used as a garnish, adds a fresh and slightly sharp flavor.
Sesame seeds: Used as a garnish, adds a slight crunch and nutty flavor.
One reader, Ellary Mcfadden says:
This honey orange firecracker shrimp recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet honey, zesty orange, and spicy red pepper flakes creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. The crispy texture of the shrimp is simply irresistible. It's a must-try for seafood lovers!
Techniques for Preparing Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp
How to prepare the sauce: Whisk together the garlic, soy sauce, honey, orange zest, orange juice, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl until well combined.
How to coat the shrimp: Toss the shrimp in cornstarch until they are evenly coated before frying.
How to fry the shrimp: Heat canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are brown and crisp.
How to thicken the sauce: After frying the shrimp, drain the excess oil from the pan, then add the prepared sauce back to the pan and cook for 15 to 20 seconds, or until the sauce has thickened.
How to garnish and serve: Serve the firecracker shrimp immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
How To Make Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp
Do away with fast food takeaway and try this easy firecracker shrimp that’s fried until crisp then tossed in a sweet and zesty honey orange sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2clovesgarlic,minced
- 1½tspsoy sauce
- ½cuphoney
- 1orange,zested into thin strips
- 2tbsporange juice
- ½tspred pepper flakes,crushed
- 2lbshrimp,18 to 20 count, peeled and deveined
- 1cupcornstarch
- ½cupcanola oil
- green onions,for garnish
- sesame seeds,for garnish
Instructions
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Add the garlic, soy sauce, honey, orange zest, orange juice, and crushed red pepper flakes to a small bowl and whisk until combined.
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Add the shrimp to the cornstarch and coat well.
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Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
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In batches, cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until brown and crisp.
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Drain onto a plate. (Don’t use paper towels or it’ll steam on the paper towels).
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When finished frying the shrimp, drain the oil.
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Add the sauce back to the pan and add the shrimp on top.
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Toss to combine and cook for 15 to 20 seconds or until the sauce has thickened.
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Serve immediately, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450.09kcal
- Fat: 19.76g
- Saturated Fat: 1.74g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.78g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.58g
- Carbohydrates: 47.67g
- Fiber: 0.83g
- Sugar: 25.72g
- Protein: 21.14g
- Cholesterol: 190.51mg
- Sodium: 931.89mg
- Calcium: 95.35mg
- Potassium: 247.01mg
- Iron: 0.61mg
- Vitamin A: 85.42µg
- Vitamin C: 14.67mg
Helpful Technique for Making Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp
When frying the shrimp, ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding them in. This will ensure that the shrimp gets a nice, crispy coating. You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of cornstarch into it. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan as this can lower the oil's temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Cook them in batches for the best results.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the sauce and coat the shrimp with cornstarch in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in an orderly manner to avoid any last-minute confusion.
Multi-task: While the shrimp is frying, you can prepare the garnishes and set the table to save time.
Use kitchen shears: Trim the shrimp tails with kitchen shears for a quicker and more efficient preparation process.
Quick clean-up: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking mess and make the process more efficient.
Substitute Ingredients For Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp Recipe
- garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor that can provide a similar aromatic base to the dish.
- soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a rich, savory flavor.
- honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to honey.
- orange - Substitute with tangerine: Tangerines have a similar citrusy flavor and can be used as a substitute for oranges in this recipe.
- orange juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a tangy citrus flavor similar to orange juice.
- red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add heat and spice to the dish like red pepper flakes.
- shrimp - Substitute with prawns: Prawns are similar in flavor and texture to shrimp and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
- cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch.
- canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil in this recipe.
- green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish in place of green onions.
- sesame seeds - Substitute with poppy seeds: Poppy seeds can provide a similar nutty flavor and texture to sesame seeds in this recipe.
Presenting Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp
Elevate the shrimp: Arrange the crispy shrimp in a circular pattern on the plate, creating height and dimension to the dish.
Artful drizzle of honey-orange glaze: Use a squeeze bottle to create a delicate and precise drizzle of the honey-orange glaze around the shrimp, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions and sesame seeds with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring an artful and balanced garnish.
Incorporate citrus zest: Grate fresh orange zest over the dish, adding a pop of vibrant color and citrus aroma to the presentation.
Strategic use of negative space: Utilize the empty space on the plate to create a visually appealing presentation, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out.
Use of complementary serving dish: Select a sleek and modern serving dish that complements the colors and textures of the dish, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Essential Tools for Making This Shrimp Dish
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and stirring ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
Tongs: Used for gripping and lifting hot and cold foods.
Zester or grater: Used to grate the zest of citrus fruits or to finely grate ingredients like cheese.
Large bowl: Used for mixing and tossing ingredients.
Frying thermometer: Used to monitor the temperature of the oil when frying.
Plate: Used for serving and plating the finished dish.
Storing and Freezing This Shrimp Recipe
- Let the honey orange firecracker shrimp cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the honey orange firecracker shrimp:
- Arrange the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until the shrimp are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen shrimp to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen honey orange firecracker shrimp will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
- Place the thawed shrimp in a skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or orange juice to help reconstitute the sauce.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the shrimp in the microwave. Place the thawed shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
- Garnish the reheated honey orange firecracker shrimp with fresh green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Reheating Leftover Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp
To reheat leftover honey orange firecracker shrimp, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help crisp up the shrimp and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the leftover shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
Before placing the shrimp in the oven, brush them lightly with a mixture of honey, orange juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will help revive the flavors and add a fresh kick to the reheated dish.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and reheat the shrimp for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the coating is crispy once again. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, as this can lead to tough and rubbery shrimp.
Alternatively, you can reheat the honey orange firecracker shrimp in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of canola oil or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover shrimp and stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, you can add a splash of orange juice or water to the skillet to thin it out and coat the shrimp evenly.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to garnish the reheated honey orange firecracker shrimp with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Serve the reheated shrimp immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor. They can be enjoyed on their own as an appetizer or paired with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Interesting Trivia About Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp
The honey orange firecracker shrimp recipe is a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors, creating a delightful explosion of taste in every bite.
Budget-Friendly Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp
This honey orange firecracker shrimp recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as shrimp, honey, and orange, are reasonably priced and can be found in most grocery stores. The recipe yields a flavorful and satisfying dish, making it worth the investment. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of cost and taste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious meal.
Is This Shrimp Recipe Healthy or Not?
The honey orange firecracker shrimp recipe, while delicious, has some aspects that could be considered unhealthy:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of honey, which is high in sugar and calories.
- Cornstarch is used to coat the shrimp, adding extra carbohydrates to the dish.
- Frying the shrimp in canola oil adds a considerable amount of fat to the recipe.
However, there are also some positive aspects:
- Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- The recipe incorporates garlic and red pepper flakes, which have potential health benefits such as boosting the immune system and increasing metabolism.
- The use of orange zest and juice provides some vitamin C and natural flavor to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of honey used in the sauce, or replace some of it with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
- Instead of frying the shrimp, try grilling, baking, or sautéing them with minimal oil to reduce the fat content.
- Use a whole grain flour or almond flour for coating the shrimp instead of cornstarch to increase the fiber content and reduce the carbohydrates.
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
- Serve the shrimp with a side of brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to add more fiber and nutrients to the meal.
Our Editor's Opinion on Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp
The honey orange firecracker shrimp recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The combination of honey, orange, and red pepper flakes creates a tantalizing glaze that perfectly coats the crispy shrimp. The dish is visually appealing and bursting with vibrant colors and aromas. The use of fresh orange zest and juice adds a bright citrusy note, elevating the overall taste profile. The addition of green onions and sesame seeds provides a lovely finishing touch, adding depth and texture to the dish. This recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests with its explosive flavors and beautiful presentation.
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Why trust this Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a burst of flavor with its combination of fresh orange zest, honey, and a hint of soy sauce. The crispy texture of the shrimp is achieved by coating them in cornstarch and frying them to perfection in canola oil. The addition of red pepper flakes gives a subtle kick, while the finishing touch of green onions and sesame seeds adds a delightful visual and textural appeal. Trust in the harmony of these quality ingredients to deliver a memorable dining experience.
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