Spicy Honey Orange Shrimp (Xiang La Fengmi Xia)
This dish, Xiang La Fengmi Xia, is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavors, making it a unique and delicious way to enjoy shrimp. The combination of honey and orange creates a sweet and tangy sauce, while the spicy kick comes from chili and spices. It’s a flavorful, bold, and satisfying dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
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2 tbsp honey
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1-2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to desired spice level)
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1-2 tbsp Sriracha sauce or other chili sauce (optional for extra heat)
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1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Orange zest for garnish (optional)
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Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Shrimp:
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Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
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Season with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.
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Make the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili flakes, and Sriracha sauce (if using). Stir until the honey is dissolved and the sauce is well mixed.
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Cook the Shrimp:
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Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce in the Skillet:
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In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the garlic and grated ginger (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
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Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes aromatic.
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Combine Shrimp with Sauce:
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Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce, making sure the shrimp are fully coated. Let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to soak in the flavors.
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Garnish and Serve:
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Garnish with freshly grated orange zest and chopped cilantro or green onions.
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Serve the Spicy Honey Orange Shrimp with steamed rice or noodles.
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Why This Dish Works:
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Perfect Balance: The combination of honey and orange offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile, while the chili flakes and Sriracha add the right amount of heat to balance it out. The shrimp soaks up all the rich, flavorful sauce.
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Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests.
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Customizable Spice Level: You can adjust the spiciness by using more or less chili flakes or Sriracha, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Spicy Honey Orange Shrimp is an irresistible dish that combines sweetness, spice, and citrus, making it a fun and flavorful meal to enjoy anytime. With its easy preparation and complex flavors, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!