This Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp dish is full of flavor! With sweet orange juice, sticky honey, and a hint of garlic, it’s a yummy treat that’s quick to make.
Every bite is a burst of sweet and savory goodness. I love serving it over rice or noodles for a simple and tasty meal—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp for the best results. You can substitute with scallops or chicken if you’re not a shrimp fan. Frozen shrimp works well, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. If you’re sensitive to garlic, consider using finely chopped green onions for a milder flavor.
Orange Juice: Fresh juice brightens the dish. If fresh oranges aren’t available, bottled orange juice will do. For a twist, consider using lemon juice or pineapple juice for a different flavor profile.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness; feel free to swap it with maple syrup or agave syrup if vegan. If you prefer less sweetness, use a bit of brown sugar instead.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Low-sodium soy sauce can help reduce the saltiness!
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp might seem tricky, but it’s quite easy! The key is not to overcook them; they should be pink and opaque when done. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet and add oil. This helps the shrimp sear nicely.
- Cook the shrimp in a single layer—this ensures even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the color change. Once they’re pink and slightly curled, flip them!
- After adding the sauce, keep stirring to coat all the shrimp nicely. It takes just a few more minutes to cook through.
Remember, shrimp cook quickly, so having everything prepped and ready speeds things up!
How to Make Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For The Sauce:
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional for some heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice or noodles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend a few moments whisking up the sauce and cooking the shrimp. It’s a quick and delicious meal ready in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. This will be the tasty sauce that brings all the flavors together. Set it aside while you cook the shrimp!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp so they get a nice sear.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they turn pink and start to brown.
4. Add the Sauce:
Carefully flip the shrimp over and pour the orange honey garlic sauce over them. Let it sizzle! It will start to smell amazing!
5. Finish Cooking:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the shrimp to be fully cooked (pink and opaque) and for the sauce to thicken up a bit so it’s sticky and flavorful.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the shrimp hot over cooked white rice or noodles so you can enjoy every bit of that delicious sauce!
Enjoy this easy-to-make Orange Honey Garlic Shrimp dish that will impress everyone at your table! 🍤
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The easiest way is to leave them in the fridge overnight, or you can place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for a quick thaw.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave syrup works great for a similar sweetness. If you’re looking for a less sweet option, brown sugar can be used instead—just dissolve it into the sauce while mixing.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring gently to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Yes! If you love a bit of heat, feel free to increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust to your preferred spice level!