Citrus Shrimp

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Citrus Shrimp offers a zesty, flavorful dish combining tender shrimp and crisp broccoli in a tangy lemon sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 1 c. cold water
  • 1/2 tsp. lemon peel, shredded
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 4 tsp. cornstarch
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed basil
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 2 c. broccoli
  • hot cooked rice
  • 1/4 c. sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Thaw shrimp if frozen.
  2. Combine cold water, lemon peel, lemon juice, cornstarch, chicken bouillon cube, sugar, and crushed basil to make the sauce; set aside.
  3. Heat wok on high heat.
  4. Fry broccoli in oil until crisp-tender; remove from wok.
  5. Fry shrimp in batches until pink; remove from wok.
  6. Return all shrimp and broccoli to wok; push to sides.
  7. Pour the sauce into the center of the wok; stir until thick and bubbly.
  8. Stir all ingredients together and cook for 2 more minutes.
  9. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a zesty kick, consider adding a touch of lime juice alongside the lemon juice. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly, mixing it with cold water before adding it to the wok. For added flavor, try using vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon for a vegetarian option. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the dish's freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the citrus shrimp over a bed of hot cooked rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad. For a crunch, top with sliced almonds just before serving. It also complements other Chinese recipes like Chow Mein.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Citrus Shrimp contains roughly 1309 calories, with 7g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (198% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1309 kcal 65% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.4g 15% DV
Total Fat 121.6g 100% DV
Carbs 61.1g 22% DV
Fiber 17.8g 64% DV
Sugar 5.7g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 55.3mg 2% DV
Potassium 485.1mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 5.4mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.9mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 177.8mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 234.5mg 18% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Tree nuts Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just ensure to thaw them properly before cooking to maintain texture. Place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water just before preparation for the best results.

What can I substitute for broccoli?

If broccoli isn't available, feel free to substitute with snap peas, bell peppers, or asparagus. Each of these vegetables adds a delightful crunch and pairs well with the citrus sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for the perfect balance.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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