Sassy Sumac Shrimp with Ginger Orzo Stir-Fry
A Bold Fusion Dish with a Tangy Twist
Spice Up Your Dinner Routine
Meet the dish that brings the heat, the sass, and the flavor. Our Sassy Sumac Shrimp with Ginger Orzo Stir-Fry is a Middle Eastern/Asian fusion masterpiece that tastes like it took hours, but is ready in under 30 minutes.
What makes this dish pop? It’s all about our tangy, citrusy sumac berries, paired with aromatic ginger and scallion-stirred orzo. Whether you’re throwing this together on a weeknight or showing off at your next dinner party, it’s guaranteed to turn heads (and win hearts).
🌿 Wait...Sumac Berries?
Yes! At International Spice District, our sumac is the real deal! whole dried berries, not the pre-ground stuff you find at the grocery store. For the best flavor, grind the berries fresh using a mortar and pestle or an electric spice grinder. Your taste buds will thank you.
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👩🏽🍳 What You’ll Need
Protein:
1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
(or swap in 2 chicken thighs or breasts, sliced)
Marinade:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp freshly ground sumac
Juice & zest of ½ lemon
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Ginger Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado)
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
(No fresh ginger? Grab our fragrant Ground Ginger instead ,it works beautifully in a pinch.)
1 tsp soy sauce
Optional: ½ tsp rice vinegar or a splash of mirin
Optional Extras:
Chili crisp or sriracha drizzle
Toasted sesame seeds or za’atar
Soft-boiled egg or avocado for the luxe life
🔥 Let’s Cook
Step 1: Marinate the Protein
In a bowl, toss shrimp (or chicken) with olive oil, sumac, lemon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it sit while you prep the rest—just 10–15 minutes is enough to get things sizzling.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
Boil orzo until al dente. In a skillet or wok, heat your oil and sauté scallions and ginger until fragrant. Toss in the orzo, soy sauce, and optional vinegar. Stir-fry until everything’s glossy and infused with flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
In a hot pan, cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and lightly golden. Chicken? Give it about 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and juicy.
Step 4: Assemble & Admire
Layer the ginger orzo on your plate. Top with shrimp (or chicken), and go wild with your toppings: chili crisp, za’atar, egg, avocado—whatever makes you feel spicy.
💡 Pro Tips from the Spice District:
Grinding sumac fresh unleashes its full citrusy depth.Never skip this step.
No fresh ginger? No problem. Use 1/4 teaspoon of our ground ginger per serving to keep those bright, peppery notes in play.
Swap orzo for pearl couscous, rice, or even soba noodles for a new twist.
Feeling bold? Add a pinch of our 35 Spice or Ras El Hanout to the marinade for an extra layer of heat and intrigue.
📸 Instagram-Ready and Dinner-Approved
Don’t forget to snap a pic before you dig in! this dish photographs like a model and eats like a comfort classic. Tag us @InternationalSpiceDistrict and show us how you serve up the sass.
🛒 Shop This Recipe:
Sumac Berries – Whole & Wildly Flavorful
Ground Ginger – Bold, Warm, and Ready When You Are
Za’atar Blend – Bold, Earthy, Addictive
35 Spice – Our Signature Powerhouse
Ras El Hanout – North African