This Orange Chili Garlic Shrimp is a zesty dish that brings together sweet oranges, a kick of chili, and tasty garlic! Perfect for a quick dinner full of flavor.
Once you try this, you might find yourself making it weekly—it’s that good! I love serving it with rice, so I can enjoy every last drop of that yummy sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this dish. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp work just fine—just thaw them properly before cooking. For a different protein, try chicken or tofu.
Olive oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor, but feel free to swap it with vegetable oil or sesame oil for a nutty twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the best flavor. If fresh oranges aren’t available, bottled juice can work—but make sure it’s 100% juice. For zest, you can also use lemon for a different note.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey adds sweetness but for vegan options, maple syrup is a great substitute. Just adjust to taste!
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky! Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Make sure your shrimp are completely thawed, if frozen.
- Cook in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Watch for a change in color; shrimp should go from gray to a nice pink. They typically cook in just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Don’t overcook! Once they’re pink and slightly curled, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
With these steps, your shrimp will turn out juicy and flavorful every time!
How to Make Orange Chili Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for a bit of acidity)
For Garnish and Serving:
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy meal you can whip up in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar (if using). This tangy and sweet sauce is the star of the dish, so make sure it’s mixed well and set aside.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Give it a minute to warm up so it’s nice and ready for the next step.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Chilies:
Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes to the skillet. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until you can smell the delicious aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, add the shrimp in a single layer. Lightly season them with salt and pepper. Let the shrimp cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and are slightly golden, then flip them over to cook the other side.
5. Add the Sauce:
Once the shrimp are mostly cooked, pour the prepared orange sauce mixture over them. Stir well to make sure all the shrimp are coated in the sauce. This is where it gets really flavorful!
6. Final Cooking:
Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the shrimp to cook all the way through. Remember, don’t overcook the shrimp to keep them tender!
7. Add Green Onions:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. They add a nice crunch and freshness. Now the dish is ready to serve!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the shrimp hot over a bed of cooked rice. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and a few orange slices for a lovely presentation. Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like more heat, increase the red chili flakes or add some fresh chopped chili peppers to the garlic and oil before adding the shrimp. You can also drizzle some sriracha or hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the shrimp again.
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Shrimp?
Yes! This orange chili garlic sauce works well with chicken, tofu, or even fish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken will take longer while tofu cooks similarly to shrimp.