Sweet Spicy Crispy Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

Elevate your seafood game with Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp, a recipe where sweet meets heat. This dish offers a perfect harmony of honey’s soft sweetness and the vibrant zest of orange, complemented by a fiery touch. It’s a culinary adventure that promises to excite your taste buds with every bite.

Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• • Fresh shrimp (jumbo preferred, ensure they’re raw – raw shrimp is grey, orange indicates it’s been cooked)
  • Cornstarch (for coating)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying, can substitute with canola or peanut oil for their high smoke points)

For the Sauce:

• • Garlic (fresh is recommended; if using garlic powder, use only a half teaspoon)
  • Soy sauce (Tamari or coconut aminos are good gluten-free options)
  • Honey (local raw honey is preferred for added flavor)
  • Orange zest and juice (for best results, use freshly squeezed juice and finely zested peel)
  • Red pepper flakes (adjust to taste; for a milder flavor, reduce the amount or omit)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

• • Combine garlic, soy sauce, honey, orange zest, orange juice, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Set aside.

Coat the Shrimp:

• • Rinse the shrimp in cold water and pat dry.
  • Coat the shrimp well in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

Fry the Shrimp:

• • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Fry the shrimp in batches until golden and crispy. Lay them on a raised cooling rack to keep them crispy. Avoid laying them on paper towels to prevent sogginess.

Combine Shrimp and Sauce:

• • Once all the shrimp will fry, reduce the heat to medium, and add the prepared sauce to the pan with the shrimp.
  • Cook, stirring until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the shrimp.

Garnish and Serve:

• • Garnish as desired and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Baked Shrimp: Coat in cornstarch, place on a wire rack on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air-Fried Shrimp: After coating in cornstarch, air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQs:

• Can it be made ahead of time? Yes, prepare the sauce and marinate the shrimp overnight. Cook the following day.
• Storage: Refrigerate cooked leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days for the best flavor and texture. Freezing is not good for cooked shrimp as they lose crispiness.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Substitute shrimp with chicken if desired.
• For a tropical twist, add pineapple juice and chopped pineapples to the sauce.
• Try using mandarin oranges or lemons instead of regular oranges for a different flavor profile.
• Add sriracha or hot sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.

This recipe captures the essence of both the richness of the sea and the zest of citrus, creating a perfect blend of flavors. Enjoy creating this delicious dish!