Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that's surprisingly quick to make? Look no further than this incredible Orange Shrimp recipe! This easy recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal right to your dinner table, without the hefty price tag or complicated techniques. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or impressing your friends with your homemade cooking skills. Get ready for a burst of sweet, savory, and tangy goodness!
Ingredients: What You'll Need for This Delicious Dish
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a great option for busy weeknights. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Orange Shrimp Perfection
This recipe is designed to be incredibly simple, even for beginner cooks. Let's get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, combine the orange marmalade, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly (about 2-3 minutes). If you like a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes now.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another minute, allowing the shrimp to absorb the delicious flavors. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or marmalade.
- Add some veggies: Boost the nutritional value and add some texture by adding vegetables like broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations: Explore Different Flavors and Textures
- Spicy Orange Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Garlic Orange Shrimp: Double the amount of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Lemon Orange Shrimp: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Around 25-30 grams
- Fat: Around 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 10-15 grams
This healthy meal is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this delicious dish and remember to share your culinary creations with us! We love seeing your homemade cooking triumphs!