Honey Orange Shrimp

The sweet and tangy aroma of citrus combined with the sizzling sound of plump shrimp hitting the pan—that’s the sensory delight you’ll experience with Honey Orange Shrimp. This vibrant dish balances the natural sweetness of honey with the bright acidity of fresh orange, creating a glaze that coats each succulent piece of seafood perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this Honey Orange Shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors while ensuring your shrimp remains tender and juicy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Orange Shrimp recipe will quickly become a family favorite for multiple reasons. First, the contrast between the caramelized honey-orange glaze and the tender, juicy shrimp creates an irresistible texture experience. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that dance across your palate.

The dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Yet, it’s elegant enough to serve to guests who will never guess how simple it was to prepare.

What truly sets this orange honey glazed shrimp apart is its versatility—it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and the sauce is so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. Plus, the vibrant colors make for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress before anyone even takes their first bite.

Ingredients

For the Honey Orange Shrimp:

• 1½ pounds (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup (60ml) honey
• ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed (about 1 large orange)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) orange zest
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) water
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
• 1 tablespoon (15g) sesame seeds for garnish

The quality of your orange is crucial here—use fresh oranges for both juice and zest as they provide brighter flavor than bottled alternatives. For the honey, a mild variety like clover works well, allowing the citrus notes to shine through in your citrus honey shrimp.

Pro Tips

Perfect Shrimp Texture
The most common mistake with Honey Orange Shrimp is overcooking the shrimp. For perfectly tender results, cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes only 1-2 minutes per side. They should form a “C” shape when properly cooked—if they curl into a tight “O,” they’re overcooked and will become rubbery. Remove them from the heat immediately once they reach this stage.

Sauce Consistency Master Class
For that restaurant-quality glaze that clings beautifully to each shrimp, the cornstarch slurry is your secret weapon. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to your hot sauce. Add it gradually while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly—if it’s too thick, add a splash of orange juice; if too thin, mix a little more cornstarch with water and gradually incorporate.

Flavor Boosting Technique
Marinate the shrimp in a tablespoon of orange zest and a pinch of salt for 15 minutes before cooking. This quick marinade infuses the shrimp with citrus flavor from the inside out, creating a more complex taste profile in your honey glazed orange shrimp. This small step elevates the dish from good to unforgettable.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. This removes excess moisture that would otherwise steam the shrimp instead of searing them. In a small bowl, season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you’re using the optional orange zest marinade mentioned in the pro tips, toss the shrimp with a tablespoon of zest and let sit for 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Create the Orange-Honey Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Make sure the honey is fully incorporated into the mixture—warming it slightly can help if it’s too thick. In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, setting it aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This aromatic base will infuse your entire dish with depth and warmth.

Step 4: Sear the Shrimp
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for approximately 1-2 minutes per side until they just turn pink and begin to curl. Transfer the shrimp to a clean plate, leaving the aromatic oil in the pan.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Pour the honey-orange mixture into the same skillet, bringing it to a simmer. Let it bubble for about 1 minute to reduce slightly, then give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir and gradually add it to the sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece in the glossy sauce. Cook for another 30 seconds just to warm the shrimp through. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve your Honey Orange Shrimp immediately over rice or alongside your favorite sides.

Variations

Spicy Honey Orange Shrimp
For heat lovers, transform this dish by adding 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or sambal oelek to the sauce mixture. The spicy kick balances beautifully with the sweet honey and tangy orange, creating a more complex flavor profile. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh chili peppers for additional heat and visual appeal.

Coconut Honey Orange Shrimp
For a tropical twist, replace half the orange juice with coconut milk and add 1 teaspoon of coconut flakes to the garnish. This variation creates a creamier sauce with subtle tropical notes that complement the citrus perfectly. The coconut mellows the tanginess while adding richness to your orange honey shrimp dish.

Vegetarian/Vegan Option
This sauce works wonderfully with plant-based proteins too. Substitute the shrimp with extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version. For a vegan adaptation, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The sauce’s vibrant flavor profile works just as well with these alternatives.

Storage and Serving

Honey Orange Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when the shrimp are perfectly tender and the sauce is glossy. If you need to store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice to revive the sauce if it’s thickened too much during storage.

For an impressive meal, serve this dish over jasmine rice or coconut rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully. For a lower-carb option, try serving over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed broccoli and snap peas.

Create a complete Asian-inspired feast by pairing your Honey Orange Shrimp with vegetable spring rolls, cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing, or simple steamed bok choy. The bright citrus flavors in the shrimp complement these sides perfectly while creating a balanced meal.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well in this Honey Orange Shrimp recipe. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing. Pre-cooked frozen shrimp isn’t recommended as it will likely become overcooked and rubbery.

What can I substitute for orange juice if I don’t have fresh oranges?
While fresh is best, you can use store-bought orange juice without pulp in a pinch. If using bottled juice, reduce the honey slightly as commercial orange juice often contains added sugars. For the zest, lemon zest can work as an alternative, though it will change the flavor profile.

Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Always check your cornstarch packaging to ensure it’s processed in a gluten-free facility if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, don’t add the cornstarch slurry until you’re ready to cook. Reheat the sauce and then add the slurry fresh for the best texture.

What’s the best type of honey to use?
A mild, light-colored honey like clover or acacia works best as it won’t overpower the citrus notes. Specialty varieties like orange blossom honey can enhance the orange flavor even further in your honey glazed orange shrimp.

Conclusion

This Honey Orange Shrimp is comfort food with a sophisticated twist — bright, tangy, and sweet with just enough depth to keep you coming back for more. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special, yet requires minimal effort and time. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between impressive and accessible. The vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make this dish a winner every time, proving that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable meals.

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