Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary shrimp into a tantalizing explosion of zesty orange, fiery red pepper, and aromatic garlic - all in less than half an hour! This Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp isn't just a recipe; it's a quick culinary escape that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Asian cuisine. Whether you're a busy home cook craving restaurant-quality flavors or a food enthusiast looking to impress, this recipe promises to deliver maximum excitement with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Mince the garlic cloves finely and set them aside. Measure out the orange juice and red pepper flakes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for cooking.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
- Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook in batches.
- Once the shrimp are cooked on one side, flip them over and pour in the orange juice and sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the top. Stir gently to combine.
- Continue cooking the shrimp for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. The shrimp should be fully cooked and coated in the spicy orange garlic sauce.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the spicy orange garlic shrimp immediately over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your flavorful and spicy orange garlic shrimp!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding shrimp to achieve that perfect golden sear.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Watch the Garlic: Sauté garlic quickly to release flavor without burning, which can make it bitter.
- Shrimp Cooking Hack: Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, usually 2-3 minutes per side.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice tolerance - from mild to wild!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or a light salad to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
