Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece in just 25 minutes – our Wok-Fired Orange Garlic Shrimp is about to become your new obsession! This Asian-inspired recipe promises a perfect balance of tangy citrus, bold garlic, and succulent shrimp that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results that will impress everyone at your dining table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they will sear properly in the wok. Excess moisture will prevent proper caramelization.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the shrimp and toss gently to coat evenly. The cornstarch will help create a light, crispy exterior and thicken the sauce.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke slightly. Add a small amount of additional sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the hot wok in a single layer, allowing space between each piece to ensure proper searing. Cook for 1-2 minutes without moving them.
- Flip the shrimp and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and develop a golden-brown color.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the shrimp and quickly toss to coat, allowing the sauce to caramelize and thicken for about 30-45 seconds.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Shrimp should be just opaque and slightly curled.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with finely chopped green onions for added freshness and color.
- Serve immediately while hot, ideally over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Tips
- Dry Your Shrimp: The secret to that perfect golden-brown sear is moisture-free shrimp. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before cooking.
- High Heat is Key: Ensure your wok or skillet is smoking hot before adding shrimp. This creates that beautiful caramelization and prevents soggy seafood.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your shrimp breathing room in the pan. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.
- Cornstarch Coating Magic: The light cornstarch dusting creates a crispy exterior and helps thicken the sauce simultaneously.
- Timing is Everything: Shrimp cook quickly – 1-2 minutes per side is all you need. Watch for that pink color and slight curl.
- Fresh Garnish Matters: Those chopped green onions aren't just decoration – they add a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich, saucy shrimp.Pro tip: Serve immediately over steamed rice to catch every drop of that incredible orange-garlic sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 170mg
