Craving crispy orange shrimp that beats takeout? You’re in the right spot! I’ll guide you through making this dish at home, even better than your favorite restaurant. With a crunchy coating and zesty orange sauce, you’ll love each bite. I’ll share tips for perfect crispiness, exciting variations, and how to store leftovers. Get ready to impress yourself and your friends with a dish that’s easy and delicious!
Ingredients
Shrimp & Coating Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 large egg
– 3/4 cup sparkling water
Orange Sauce Ingredients
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Oil for Frying
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
The right ingredients make all the difference in this crispy orange shrimp. Use fresh, large shrimp for the best taste. The coating needs cornstarch and flour to create that perfect crunch. Baking powder helps puff it up just right. A little salt and pepper add flavor.
For the orange sauce, fresh orange juice is key. It gives the sauce its bright taste. The zest adds a strong orange flavor. Soy sauce adds a salty kick, while honey sweetens the dish. Rice vinegar gives it a nice tang. Fresh ginger and garlic add depth. If you like heat, try adding red chili flakes.
When choosing oil, use vegetable or canola oil. They have high smoke points, perfect for frying. This combo ensures your shrimp turns out crispy and golden.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Orange Sauce
To start, we need to make the orange sauce. In a small pot, mix together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, orange zest, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red chili flakes if you like it spicy. Turn the heat to medium and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This will help the flavors blend and the sauce will thicken a bit. Once done, set it aside.
Making the Batter
Next, we will create the batter. Grab a large bowl and whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat one large egg and mix it with 3/4 cup of sparkling water. Slowly pour this egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Keep whisking until it is smooth but a little lumpy. This lumpy texture helps to make the shrimp crispy.
Heating the Oil
Now it’s time to heat the oil. Take a large pot or deep skillet and pour in enough oil to cover the shrimp halfway, about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer for accuracy. If you don’t have one, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
Frying the Shrimp
With the oil hot, you can start frying the shrimp. Working in small batches, dip each shrimp into the batter, making sure it is well coated. Carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
Combining Shrimp with Sauce
Once all the shrimp are fried, it’s time to combine them with the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy shrimp. Drizzle the orange sauce over them and toss gently. Be careful not to break the crispy coating as you mix. You want each shrimp to be well-coated with sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crispy orange shrimp right away while they are still hot. You can garnish them with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a nice touch. Enjoy them with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Crispiness
To get that perfect crispiness, use cold sparkling water in your batter. The bubbles help create a light texture. Make sure you coat each shrimp well in the batter. Fry them in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and helps the shrimp fry evenly.
Recommended Oil Choices
For frying, choose oils with high smoke points. Vegetable oil and canola oil work well. They heat up fast and fry the shrimp nicely. Avoid using olive oil, as it can burn and make the shrimp taste bitter.
Adjusting the Sauce Flavor
You can tweak the orange sauce to fit your taste. Add more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness. If you like heat, toss in some extra red chili flakes. The sauce should balance sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Experiment until it’s just right for you!
Variations
Spicy Crispy Orange Shrimp
To make your shrimp spicy, add red chili flakes. Use one to two teaspoons in the orange sauce. This gives your dish a nice kick. You can also add hot sauce to the batter for extra heat. Mix in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce for a fiery twist. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste.
Gluten-Free Option
If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Use a blend that works well for frying. The cornstarch will still give the shrimp that great crunch. Make sure to check that your soy sauce is gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy the crispy orange shrimp.
Adding Vegetables
You can add vegetables to your dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work well. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the veggies in the batter before frying. This adds color and taste to the plate. You can even stir-fry them with the shrimp for a complete meal.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crispy orange shrimp in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about three days. Keep the orange sauce separate to maintain the shrimp’s crispiness.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This helps to keep them crispy. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for around 5-7 minutes.
Freezing Conditions
You can freeze the shrimp if needed. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. This helps keep the shrimp firm and ready to cook.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options add sweetness but may change the flavor slightly. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a bit of water.
How do I make the shrimp less spicy?
To make the shrimp less spicy, skip the red chili flakes in the sauce. You can also add a little extra honey to balance the heat. This keeps the dish tasty without the spice.
Is it possible to make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the battered shrimp on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
To check if the oil is hot enough, use a thermometer. It should read 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of batter in the oil. If it sizzles and rises, the oil is ready.
You have all the tools to make crispy orange shrimp. We covered ingredients like shrimp, batter, and sauce. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and serving. Tips for crispiness and storage details enhance your recipe game.
Experiment with variations, like adding vegetables or making it gluten-free. Each step builds your skills and confidence in the kitchen. Now, you can enjoy a delicious dish that impresses everyone!
