If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes, the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe is your next kitchen adventure. This dish pairs perfectly crisp shrimp with a luscious, sticky honey glaze that dances with soy, ginger, and garlic flavors. It’s a harmonious combination of sweet, savory, and a touch of tang that’s irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe offers a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe right starts with simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part — from the crispy coating that gives the shrimp their satisfying crunch, to the glaze that delivers a rich depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined, they’re the star of the show and perfect for quick cooking.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Essential for the crispy coating that locks in moisture.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Works with cornstarch to create that perfect crunchy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle background warmth.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle savory note to the coating.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Help the flour mixture stick, giving the shrimp a beautiful crust.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, choose one with a high smoke point to get that golden crisp.
- Honey (1/3 cup): The sweet star of the glaze, it caramelizes nicely without being cloying.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory depth and a touch of saltiness to balance the honey.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Or apple cider vinegar for a subtle fruity tartness that brightens the glaze.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Provides that nutty aroma and flavor that sets the glaze apart.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Fresh garlic gives the glaze a fragrant punch.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Offers a spicy warmth that complements the honey perfectly.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water): Thickens the glaze to a luscious consistency.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: Optional garnishes that add texture, color, and extra flavor.
How to Make Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Coating
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels — this is key to getting a crispy finish. In one bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This two-step coating helps build the perfect crunchy shell for your shrimp.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and back into the flour mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. This double dip trick creates a beautifully thick and crunchy crust that will hold up in the frying process and against the sticky glaze.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat, aiming for around 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden and irresistibly crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady. Remove the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Simmer over medium heat to meld the flavors. This mixture gives the glaze its vibrant balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that make the dish so addictive.
Step 5: Thicken the Glaze
Stir in the cornstarch slurry—a mixture of cornstarch and water—to the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon, creating that perfect sticky texture that clings beautifully to the crispy shrimp.
Step 6: Toss and Coat the Shrimp
Gently toss the crispy shrimp in the honey glaze until each piece is well coated. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the glossy, flavorful glaze is where this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe truly shines.
How to Serve Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color. The garnishes add a subtle crunch and freshness that elevate the presentation and eating experience.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the glaze. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or stir-fried vegetables — they bring balance and brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the shrimp atop a bed of garlic noodles or tuck them into lettuce cups for handheld fun with crunchy freshness. Even rolling them into sushi rolls or pairing with avocado slices makes for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the glazed shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp will soften slightly in the fridge, so crisping them again before serving can refresh the texture.
Freezing
Because of the crispy coating, freezing cooked shrimp glazed with honey is not ideal as it can become soggy when thawed and reheated. It’s better to freeze the raw shrimp separately before coating and frying if you want to prep ahead.
Reheating
To reheat leftover shrimp while maintaining some crispness, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it tends to make the coating soggy and the glaze less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading and frying to ensure the coating sticks properly and crisps up wonderfully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or rice flour. Make sure to check that your soy sauce is gluten-free as well to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Is there a way to make the shrimp less sweet?
Definitely. You can reduce the honey slightly or add an extra splash of rice vinegar in the glaze to increase acidity, balancing the sweetness to your preference.
What’s the best oil to fry the shrimp in?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are ideal choices because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, allowing the crispy coating to develop perfectly without burning.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the honey glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before tossing it with freshly fried shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe. It’s a fantastic dish that combines simplicity with wow-worthy flavor and texture, making every bite a little celebration. Whether a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe will not disappoint and is sure to bring smiles to your dining table. Give it a go and watch it become one of your go-to favorites!
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Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp recipe delivers perfectly fried shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey glaze. The shrimp are double-coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture for ultimate crispiness, then fried to golden perfection. The sticky glaze made with honey, soy sauce, and aromatic ginger and garlic adds a delicious Asian-inspired flavor. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is perfect as a quick appetizer or main course in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Honey Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
Garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp and Coating Mixture: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and back into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even, thick coating for maximum crispiness.
- Heat Oil and Fry Shrimp: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet or deep pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the shrimp in batches for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden and crispy. Once fried, transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the Glaze: Mix the cornstarch and water together to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the simmering glaze and continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Coat Shrimp with Glaze: Toss the freshly fried crispy shrimp in the honey glaze until each piece is well coated with the sticky sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the glazed shrimp for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are dry before coating to achieve crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature.
- If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the amount of honey in the glaze.
- The glaze can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before coating the shrimp.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F for perfect frying results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
