Hey there, my friend. If you love shrimp, this is going to be your new favorite way to make it. The combination of spicy shrimp and rich orange brown butter sauce is something you do not want to miss. It is sweet, tangy, buttery, and just the right amount of spicy.
And the best part? It comes together in no time. You are just a few steps away from a restaurant-quality meal at home. Let me show you how to make it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large skillet
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Important Info
- Servings: 4 servings
- Estimated Cost: Around $15 to make this recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: About 280 calories
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Season: Best for Summer, but great all year
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet
How to Make Spicy Shrimp with Orange Brown Butter Sauce
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | Chicken strips or scallops |
| Smoked paprika | Regular paprika or chili powder |
| Red pepper flakes | Cayenne pepper |
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (reduce the added salt) |
| Honey | Maple syrup or brown sugar |
| Soy sauce | Coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce |
Instructions
- In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep stirring until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This takes about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the butter and cook for 30 seconds. Then, pour in the orange juice, orange zest, honey, and soy sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and pour the sauce over it. Toss everything together until the shrimp is well coated.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Do not overcook the shrimp. It should be pink and firm, not rubbery.
- Brown the butter carefully. If it burns, it will taste bitter.
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice is not the same.
- If you like extra heat, add more red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately for the best taste. The sauce thickens as it cools.
What to Serve with Spicy Shrimp with Orange Brown Butter Sauce
This shrimp goes well with so many things. Here are some ideas:
- Rice – White rice, coconut rice, or even fried rice.
- Pasta – Toss it with linguine or spaghetti for a quick seafood pasta.
- Bread – Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Vegetables – Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple salad.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like serving this dish in a shallow bowl with extra sauce on the side. If you want to be fancy, garnish with extra orange zest and fresh herbs. A squeeze of fresh lemon also brings out the flavors even more.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a summer backyard meal. It also works for date nights because it feels a little special but is super easy to make. If you are hosting, serve it as an appetizer with small skewers or toothpicks.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- This shrimp is best eaten fresh, but if you need to keep it for a short time, cover and leave it at room temperature for up to 1 hour.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time.
Freezing
- You can freeze the shrimp, but the sauce may separate when reheated.
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw them first. Run them under cold water or leave them in the fridge overnight. Pat dry before cooking to avoid extra liquid.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild heat, but you can make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and season the shrimp ahead of time. Cook everything fresh when ready to eat for the best taste.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture. Fresh or frozen both work as long as they are peeled and deveined.
Can I use lemon instead of orange?
Yes, but the taste will be more tart. If you use lemon, add a little more honey to balance the flavors.
