Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Almond Shrimp Delight?
It is a quick seafood dish featuring shrimp coated in a savory-sweet orange marmalade sauce with toasted almonds and shallots.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be ready in just under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include medium shrimp, sliced almonds, shallots, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and peanut or vegetable oil.
How do I toast the almonds?
Toast the sliced almonds in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but ensure they are completely thawed, cleaned, and deveined before cooking.
What can I serve with Citrus Almond Shrimp Delight?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is primarily sweet and savory, though it contains a small amount of ground black pepper for seasoning.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
You can use either peanut oil or vegetable oil for sautéing the shallots and shrimp.
Can I substitute the shallots?
While shallots provide a mild flavor, you can substitute them with finely chopped yellow or red onions if needed.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
The shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 8-10 minutes of simmering.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as healthy as it uses lean protein and heart-healthy nuts with fresh aromatics.
Can I use almond slivers instead of sliced almonds?
Yes, almond slivers can be used as a substitute for sliced almonds; just ensure they are toasted for maximum flavor.
How do I prepare the sauce?
The sauce is made by mixing orange marmalade, soy sauce, and ground black pepper directly in the skillet with the sautéed shallots.
What size shrimp should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of medium shrimp that have been cleaned and deveined.
Can I add extra citrus flavor?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with fresh orange slices or a squeeze of orange juice for added freshness.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires 7 main ingredients: almonds, oil, shrimp, shallot, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and black pepper.
Is this an Asian-inspired dish?
Yes, with ingredients like soy sauce and ginger-adjacent aromatics, it has an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
Should I cover the pan while cooking the shrimp?
Yes, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low to allow the shrimp to simmer and cook through evenly.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free liquid aminos.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish features succulent shrimp in a sticky sauce with a crunchy contrast from the toasted almonds.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Absolutely, its vibrant colors and sophisticated flavor profile make it visually appealing and impressive for special gatherings.
Can I use orange juice instead of marmalade?
Marmalade provides a thicker, syrupy consistency; if using juice, you may need a thickener like cornstarch to achieve the same texture.
How long do I sauté the shallots?
Sauté the shallots for approximately 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
Can I use a different nut?
While almonds are the namesake, toasted cashews or walnuts could provide a similar texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve more people; just ensure your skillet is large enough to avoid overcrowding.
What temperature should I toast the almonds at?
Toast them over medium heat in a dry skillet, watching closely to prevent burning.
Is there a low-sodium version?
You can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content of the dish.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It is recommended to use raw shrimp for better flavor absorption, but if using pre-cooked, only heat them through for 1-2 minutes so they don't get rubbery.
What is the flavor of orange marmalade in this dish?
The marmalade adds a sweet, tangy citrus base that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to keep the shrimp tender.