Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Sweet citrus meets savory heat in a buttery sauce that elevates your seafood game.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 16, 2025

Sweet citrus meets savory heat in a buttery sauce that elevates your seafood game.

Introduction to Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp

Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of orange juice with the pungency of garlic, all while adding a hint of spice from cayenne pepper. This recipe, popularized by The Pioneer Woman, is perfect for those looking to add a zesty twist to their seafood repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply wanting to spice up a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients Needed

To make this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:

Frozen Raw Shell-On Shrimp: Preferably 26-30 shrimp per pound. Ensure they are de-veined to save time.
Good Quality Orange Juice: About ¾ cup. Freshly squeezed or store-bought, high-quality juice works best.
Garlic: 2-4 cloves, depending on your taste preference. Thinly sliced.
Salted Butter: 3 tablespoons. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
Spices:
- Ground Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon. Freshness matters for optimal flavor.
- Old Bay Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. This is crucial for the authentic seafood flavor.

Preparing the Shrimp

Start by thawing your shrimp. You can do this by running them under cold water for a few minutes. Once thawed, peel the shrimp by pinching the upper part of the tail shell. This should help the shell come off easily, leaving you with clean, de-shelled shrimp.

Place the peeled shrimp on paper towels to dry. This step is important to prevent moisture from affecting the cooking process.

Creating the Spicy Orange Garlic Sauce

To create the sauce, combine the sliced garlic with ¾ cup of orange juice in a bowl. Add the cayenne pepper and Old Bay seasoning to this mixture. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are nicely incorporated.

Cooking the Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the shrimp. Cook for about 30-60 seconds before flipping them over. Continue cooking until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked, which should take another 30-60 seconds.

Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set them aside. Leave the pan on high heat until it starts to smoke slightly.

Adding the Spicy Orange Garlic Sauce

Once the pan is smoking, add the Spicy Orange Garlic sauce mixture. Stir it well to pick up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which will add a rich flavor to the sauce. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combining the Shrimp with the Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Let the shrimp mingle with the sauce for a few seconds before serving.

Conclusion

Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the best of seafood with the zesty flavors of orange and garlic. It’s an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced cooks looking to add some excitement to their meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best way to store leftover Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp?

A: You can store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Q: Can I substitute the Old Bay seasoning with something else?

A: While Old Bay is recommended for its unique flavor, you can experiment with other seasonings like Cajun or Creole seasoning if you don’t have Old Bay available.

Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming overcooked?

A: To avoid overcooking, ensure you cook the shrimp for the recommended time. Flip them as soon as they become opaque on the bottom side, and remove them from the heat once they are fully cooked.

Additional Tips for Preparing Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp

Here are some additional tips to enhance your cooking experience:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a significant difference in the final taste and texture of the dish.
Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used.
Serve with Rice or Pasta: Pairing the shrimp with rice or pasta can help soak up the flavorful sauce.

Exploring Variations

For those looking to experiment with different flavors, consider these variations:

Asian-Inspired: Add some soy sauce or hoisin sauce to give the dish an Asian twist.
Mediterranean Flavor: Mix in some chopped olives or feta cheese to bring a Mediterranean flair.

Conclusion

Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various settings. With its zesty flavors and simplicity, it’s a recipe that will become a staple in many kitchens.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete