If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, sweet, and savory flavors, this Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine succulent shrimp glazed in a luscious honey and orange sauce that perfectly balances tangy citrus with a touch of natural sweetness. It’s quick to prepare, full of vibrant color, and packed with all the zing you want from a weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve friends. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful celebration of taste and texture that’s both satisfying and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the delicious harmony that defines this Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe. From the sweetness of honey to the brightness of fresh orange juice and zest, every component enhances the flavor and texture beautifully.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and soak up the sauce flavors wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a light, fruity base for sautéing the shrimp without overpowering the sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps form that irresistible glossy glaze on the shrimp.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange): Delivers zesty brightness and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Zest of 1 orange: Packs in concentrated citrus aroma for an extra punch of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a savory warmth that complements the citrus perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Introduces a salty depth and umami richness to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick if you like a little heat with your sweet and tangy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Orange slices (for garnish, optional): Adds a lovely decorative touch and echo of citrus aroma on the plate.
How to Make Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp
Start with peeled and deveined shrimp to ensure every bite is tender and ready to soak up the sauce. Pat them dry with paper towels, which helps achieve a nice sear during cooking rather than steaming.
Step 2: Mix the Honey Orange Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the honey, fresh orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to merge all those sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors into a harmonious sauce ready to coat your shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and get a light golden sear.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking
Flip the shrimp and pour the honey orange sauce over them. Toss to coat each piece thoroughly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and the sauce thickens slightly into a glossy glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Serve Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing completes the dish like a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few orange slices on the side. The parsley adds a burst of color and fresh herbal notes, while the orange slices reinforce that beautiful citrus theme and make the plate inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all the sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside roasted or sautéed green beans or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw for a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the honey orange shrimp in lettuce cups or over a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant, lighter meal. You can also skewer the shrimp and glaze them while grilling, turning this Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe into a show-stopping appetizer or party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the shrimp and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for about 2 days, making for a quick and tasty lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp in the honey orange sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking and toughness. Add a splash of water or orange juice if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave reheating works too but should be done in short intervals to preserve texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get that perfect sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes for optional heat. You can easily omit them if you prefer a mild, sweet citrus flavor without any kick.
Can I substitute honey for another sweetener?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives, though honey gives the best balance of sweetness and texture for the glaze.
How long does it take to make this Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe?
From start to finish, it takes about 15 minutes — 5 minutes for prep and 10 minutes to cook, making it a fantastic quick meal option.
What can I use instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free?
Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute for soy sauce and works perfectly in this recipe without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and citrusy with a touch of savory that’s just so satisfying to eat. It’s a quick, easy, and versatile dish that I truly hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing with those you love. Give it a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Honey Orange Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Orange Shrimp recipe features succulent, large shrimp sautéed to perfection with a sweet and tangy honey-orange glaze. The shrimp are flavored with fresh garlic, orange zest, and a hint of soy sauce, making a quick and vibrant dish that is perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner or an impressive yet simple meal for guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the honey, fresh orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to blend all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
- Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, preparing the pan for sautéing the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and slightly opaque, then flip them over.
- Add the marinade: Pour the prepared honey-orange sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the shrimp evenly and to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and glaze the shrimp.
- Check doneness: Once the shrimp are fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a sticky glaze, remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and garnish with orange slices if desired. Serve immediately while hot for best taste.
Notes
- The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery; cook just until pink and opaque.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
- Use fresh orange juice for best flavor; bottled juice may alter the taste slightly.
