Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp
Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp combines crispy fried shrimp coated in cornstarch with a bright, sticky sauce made from honey, orange zest and juice, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The shrimp have a crunchy texture on the outside and tender inside, while the sauce balances sweetness, citrus tang, and a touch of heat. This recipe finishes quickly by tossing the browned shrimp with the thickened sauce, making it a flavorful choice for a main or appetizer. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it adds visual appeal and fresh notes.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 orange zest , zested into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 2 pounds Shrimp ,18-20 count peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon green onions , for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds , for garnish
Instructions
- Add the garlic, soy sauce, honey, orange zest, orange juice and crushed red pepper flakes to a small bowl and whisk until combined. Set sauce aside.
- Add the shrimp to the cornstarch and coat well.
- Heat your oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat.
- In batches, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until brown and crisp.
- Drain onto a plate (don't use paper towels or it'll steam on the paper towels).
- When you've finished frying the shrimp drain the oil.
- Add the sauce back to the pan and add the shrimp on top.
- Toss to combine and cook for 15-20 seconds or until the sauce has thickened (this will not take long, all the cornstarch on the shrimp will thicken it quickly).
- Serve immediately, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Fry shrimp in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Do not drain shrimp on paper towels to prevent steaming and sogginess.
- The cornstarch coating helps thicken the sauce quickly when added back to the pan.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 491
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 491kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 381mg | 127% |
| Sodium | 1265mg | 53% |
| Potassium | 147mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 70IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 12.2mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 226mg | 23% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.