These Orange Chili Garlic Shrimp are a tasty treat! Juicy shrimp are tossed in a zesty blend of orange juice, garlic, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick dinner!
Honestly, they come together so fast that you might have them on a weekday! They’re great over rice or just on their own—your friends will be asking for more! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and hold their texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, cooked frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but adjust the cooking time since they’re already done.
Fresh Orange Juice: Fresh juice really gives a bright flavor. If you don’t have an orange, you can use another citrus like lemon or even store-bought orange juice, but make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds umami. If you need a gluten-free version, tamari is a great substitute. You could also use coconut aminos for a sweeter taste.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey adds a nice sweetness to the sauce. If you’re vegan, maple syrup is a perfect swap. Adjust the amount based on how sweet you like it.
Red Chilies: Fresh chilies bring heat and color. If fresh chilies are hard to find, you can use a pinch of cayenne or even sriracha to keep some heat in the dish.
How Do I Make Sure My Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is key to this dish! Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them. Here’s how:
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip them over.
- When shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re done—usually about 4-5 minutes total depending on size.
- Remove them from the heat immediately after they are cooked to prevent overcooking.
This will keep your shrimp juicy and flavorful, making every bite delightful!
How to Make Orange Chili Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1-2 red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust based on heat preference)
- For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to cook, totaling about 20 minutes! It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
Start by whisking together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using) in a small bowl. Make sure everything is well combined. Set this tasty mix aside for later.
2. Heat Up the Skillet:
Next, grab a large skillet or wok and heat the oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil nice and hot before adding the shrimp.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on one side. You’ll see them start to turn pink. That’s your cue to flip them over!
4. Add the Sauce:
Once the shrimp are flipped, toss in the sliced red chilies and pour the orange sauce mixture right over everything. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in that awesome sauce!
5. Finish Cooking:
Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The shrimp should be fully cooked and the sauce should start to thicken, making it shiny and delicious!
6. Final Touches:
Sprinkle on the red chili flakes (if using) and the sliced green onions. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all those vibrant flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your scrumptious shrimp hot over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley if you like!
Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful Orange Chili Garlic Shrimp! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quicker method, you can submerge them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the number of red chilies or omit the red chili flakes entirely. For extra heat, feel free to add more chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Just adjust according to your taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to prepare and serve this dish fresh. However, if you want to prep ahead, you can make the sauce and marinate the shrimp in it for up to 1 hour in the fridge. Just be sure to cook them right before serving for the best results.
What Can I Serve This Dish With?
This Orange Chili Garlic Shrimp is perfect served over cooked white rice, but you can also pair it with quinoa, steamed vegetables, or even noodles for a delicious meal. A side salad would also complement it nicely!