Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share my vibrant Orange Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry recipe. This dish bursts with flavor and color, making it perfect for any meal. You’ll find easy steps to create a tasty stir fry in no time. Whether you’re a busy cook or just want a special dinner, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive in and make something delicious together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stir fry comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh orange juice, ginger, and sesame oil creates a vibrant and delicious sauce.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with colorful vegetables and lean shrimp, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personalized twist!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you need for a tasty Orange Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup high-quality soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked jasmine rice or noodles for serving
Ingredient Tips
When choosing shrimp, look for firm and shiny ones. Fresh shrimp taste best. If you want a quick meal, buy pre-peeled shrimp. For the vegetables, use bright and crisp ones. Fresh ginger adds a strong flavor, while fresh orange juice gives a nice sweetness. Honey balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Quality Recommendations
Always select high-quality soy sauce. Look for brands with no added preservatives. Fresh sesame oil enhances the flavor. When it comes to vegetables, local, seasonal ones are best. Organic options can also be healthier. For the shrimp, wild-caught is often tastier than farmed. Choose a juicy orange for zest and juice; it makes a big difference!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the shrimp. Start by taking 1 pound of large shrimp. Peel and devein them. Place the shrimp in a large bowl. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set them aside for now.
2. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice, and the zest of 1 orange. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Mix well and set this aside.
Cooking Process
3. Heat the pan. Grab a large skillet or wok. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the vegetables. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
5. Add the shrimp. Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Combining Ingredients and Finishing Touches
6. Combine everything. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Toss everything together. Make sure the shrimp and veggies are coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to heat through.
7. Finish it off. Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the stir fry for a fresh touch.
Serve the Orange Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry over jasmine rice or noodles. Enjoy your vibrant dish!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Shrimp
To cook shrimp perfectly, use fresh ones if you can. They should be pink and firm. If you use frozen shrimp, thaw them first. Pat them dry to remove excess water. This keeps them from steaming when cooked. Heat your pan until hot before adding the shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
Adjusting Flavors
You can customize the flavor in your stir fry. If you want more sweetness, add extra honey or orange juice. For a tangy kick, squeeze in more orange juice. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. Always taste as you go. This helps you find the right balance for your palate.
Garnishing Approaches
Garnishing makes your dish look and taste better. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness. Add sesame seeds for crunch and a toasty flavor. A wedge of orange on the side adds brightness and a fun look. Serve your stir fry over jasmine rice or noodles to soak up the tasty sauce. This adds both color and texture to your plate.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp and vegetables for the best flavor and texture in your stir fry.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir frying requires high heat; make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the ingredients to achieve that perfect sear.
- Prep Ahead: For a quicker cooking process, prep all your ingredients before you start cooking to ensure everything is ready to go.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to suit your taste by adding more honey or soy sauce as desired.

Variations
Alternative Vegetables
You can change the veggies in your stir fry. Broccoli is great, but try snap peas or bok choy. They add crunch and color. You can also use zucchini or mushrooms for a different taste. Just remember to cut them small, so they cook fast. Mixing different colors makes the dish look fun and inviting!
Adjusting Heat Levels
Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a small pinch to test your taste. If you like it mild, skip the spice. You can also add sweet bell peppers for a nice balance. They give you sweetness and a pop of color. Adjust the heat to fit your style!
Dietary Substitutions (Gluten-free, etc.)
If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It tastes great and works well in this dish. For a low-carb choice, swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice. It’s a healthy twist. You can also leave out honey if you prefer no sugar. Keep it simple and still delicious!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store leftover Orange Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. To keep the shrimp tender, avoid stacking too much on top of each other. If you want to keep the flavors bright, add a splash of orange juice before sealing. This helps maintain that zesty taste.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the stir fry. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This way, the shrimp and veggies will keep their texture and flavor.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. If you prefer the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely to allow steam to escape. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Enjoy it with fresh jasmine rice or noodles for a quick meal!
FAQs
How do I ensure the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
To cook shrimp perfectly, look for a bright pink color. They should also be opaque. Start by heating oil in a pan. Once hot, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Remove them as soon as they change color. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Always keep an eye on them while cooking!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them defrost evenly. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps avoid excess water in your stir fry. Follow the same cooking steps as fresh shrimp. The flavors will still shine through!
What is the nutritional information for Orange Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry?
This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: About 300
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
These numbers may vary based on the specific brands and amounts you use. The shrimp add protein, while the veggies provide vitamins. Enjoy this meal guilt-free!
In this article, we explored how to make a delicious Orange Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry. You learned about the best ingredients, cooking steps, and smart tips. We also covered variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Remember, fresh shrimp and the right seasoning make a big difference. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Follow these steps for a tasty meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey and let your flavors shin

Orange Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 unit bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 unit carrots, julienned
- 3 unit green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup high-quality soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 unit zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- to taste unit salt and pepper
- for serving unit cooked jasmine rice or noodles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, season shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, and sesame seeds. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil and vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the stir fry for freshness.

