Crispy orange shrimp brings a delightful crunch along with a burst of citrus flavor, making it a popular dish in many households. This dish balances sweet and savory elements, leading to a heavenly combination that can please anyone at the dinner table. Whether you want it as a main or an appetizer, delve into the specifics of making this delicious dish.
Why We Love This Crispy Orange Shrimp
Crispy orange shrimp stands out due to its irresistible texture and vibrant taste. The shrimp gets a delightful coating that not only provides a satisfying crunch but also absorbs the zesty orange sauce beautifully. This dish caters to diverse palates, appealing to both seafood lovers and those who enjoy flavorful, crispy bites. The bright orange sauce, made with fresh ingredients, enhances the overall flavor and provides a burst of sunshine to your plate. It’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. You’ll find that the balance of flavors, textures, and aromas in this dish creates a unique culinary experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients for Crispy Orange Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Start by preparing the shrimp. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the water until you form a smooth batter.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Ensure that the oil reaches around 350°F before frying.
- Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes each side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Meanwhile, prepare the orange sauce. In a saucepot, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Once it reaches your desired thickness, remove it from heat.
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the orange sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
How to Serve Crispy Orange Shrimp
Crispy orange shrimp makes for a spectacular dish that can elevate any meal. To serve, place the glazed shrimp on a vibrant plate, ensuring that each piece showcases its crispy texture and shining orange glaze. Pair this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice to soak up any leftover sauce and introduce a subtle pairing of flavors. You can also serve it alongside a light, crisp salad for a fresh contrast. Adding fresh vegetables, like snap peas or bell peppers, enhances both the presentation and nutritional profile. Offering additional sides like fried rice or a variety of dipping sauces enhances the meal and allows guests to customize their experience. Don’t hesitate to add a few orange slices to the plate for a color pop and to play up the dish’s signature flavor. For a more casual setup, serve the shrimp in small bowls to share, encouraging guests to dig in.
Expert Tips for Crispy Orange Shrimp
To ensure your crispy orange shrimp turns out perfectly, follow these expert tips. First, make sure that your oil is hot enough before frying. This will help achieve the ideal crispy texture. You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to go. Secondly, do not overcrowd the pan while frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy shrimp. Instead, fry in smaller batches to maintain consistent heat. For the best flavor, use fresh juice and zest from an orange, as bottled juice doesn’t have the same vibrant taste. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your preference by adjusting the amount of sugar. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Lastly, serve the shrimp immediately after coating in sauce for the best texture. If you wait too long, the coating might lose its crispiness.
How to Store Crispy Orange Shrimp
Storing crispy orange shrimp requires special care to maintain its texture and flavor. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely to room temperature and place them in an airtight container. Store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps restore some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the shrimp rubbery. If you know you will have leftovers, you can keep the sauce separate and store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve the shrimp again, simply reheat the sauce on the stove, coat the shrimp, and serve immediately.
Variations of Crispy Orange Shrimp
You can customize crispy orange shrimp in various ways to suit your taste. For a different flavor profile, swap out the sweetness of the orange for lemon or lime juice, giving it a tangy twist. Alternatively, consider incorporating various spices into the batter. Adding garlic powder, ginger, or cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor. If you prefer a healthier approach, try baking the shrimp instead of frying them. Coat them lightly with oil and bake them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until crispy. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the shrimp with tofu. Make sure to press and cube the tofu beforehand so it absorbs the sauce well. You can also experiment with adding vegetables to the dish. Broccoli florets or snap peas can be stir-fried along with the shrimp for a delightful and colorful twist. Lastly, if you want a richer flavor, drizzle a spicy chili oil over the dish just before serving. Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a dish that perfectly aligns with your cravings.
FAQ about Crispy Orange Shrimp
You may have some questions about crispy orange shrimp, and that’s completely normal. One common question is, can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp works well; just ensure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using them in the recipe. Another frequent query is whether you can make the dish ahead of time. While you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it, the frying should happen right before serving for the best texture. You might also wonder if this dish is suitable for special diets. It contains shrimp, so it might not be suitable for vegans, but you can substitute tofu as an alternative. For those concerned about allergens, ensure to check label ingredients, especially for the soy sauce. Lastly, many wonder how to enhance the flavor further. You can add fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, to the final dish for an aromatic touch. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite variations of this delicious crispy orange shrimp!
Crispy Orange Shrimp
Ingredients
For the crispy shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
For the orange sauce
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the water until you form a smooth batter.
Cooking the shrimp
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F.
- Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Making the orange sauce
- In a saucepot, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Once it reaches the desired thickness, remove it from heat.
Final assembly
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the orange sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
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