If you’ve got a hankering for something a little bit fancy yet totally doable on a weeknight, get ready for your next obsession: Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp. This dish is a glorious combo of golden, crunchy shrimp cloaked in a glossy honey-soy glaze that’s sweet, savory, and just a touch tangy. Each bite is a delightful marriage of textures and flavors—crispy, sticky, and perfectly balanced. There’s a reason this recipe is the go-to when you want to seriously impress at dinner, bring the family together, or jazz up your usual meal routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp lies in its simple lineup of ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building unforgettable flavor and texture. Gather these kitchen staples and you’ll be golden—literally!
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose plump, fresh shrimp for juicy bites that don’t skimp on flavor.
- Cornstarch: Gives the shrimp that unbeatable, shatteringly crisp coating when fried.
- All-purpose flour: Blends beautifully with cornstarch for the ideal crispy batter.
- Garlic powder: Infuses every bite with subtle garlicky aroma without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and depth.
- Large eggs, beaten: The glue that helps your crunchy coating stick to each shrimp.
- Vegetable oil for frying: A neutral oil that lets the shrimp’s flavor shine and gets them perfectly crisp.
- Honey: The heart of the glaze, bringing luscious sweetness to the dish.
- Soy sauce: Balances the honey with umami-rich saltiness.
- Rice vinegar: The secret weapon for a splash of welcome tang.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle for irresistible nutty, toasty undertones.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (slurry): Thickens the glaze to that rich, clingy texture you want for coating shrimp.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish: The finishing touch—crunch, color, and a fresh pop in every bite.
How to Make Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare Your Dredge and Shrimp
First things first: grab a shallow bowl and whisk together the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This is your ticket to that irresistibly crispy crust. Get your shrimp ready by patting them dry (this ensures maximum crunch!), then dip each one into the beaten eggs—both sides, please—before generously coating in your flour mixture. Set them aside on a plate and admire how fast your kitchen begins to smell amazing already.
Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour about a half-inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, it’s time for the main event! Gently lay the coated shrimp in the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry in batches for about two to three minutes on each side, flipping once, until they’re gloriously golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil—expect anticipation to mount at this point!
Step 3: Whip Up the Honey Glaze
While the shrimp cool, grab a small saucepan for your sweet-and-savory glaze. Combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then simmer gently over medium heat. Once tiny bubbles appear, stir in your cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute or two until the glaze thickens into a beautiful, pourable sauce. The aroma is going to be absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Toss and Coat
Add those crispy shrimp right into the saucepan or a large mixing bowl. Pour the sticky honey glaze over top and gently toss until every piece is shimmering and perfectly coated. Work quickly here so that the heat from the glaze keeps the coating crispy. This moment is pure magic—watching the shrimp transform under that glossy finish is worth every minute!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp to a serving platter (or straight onto a waiting pile of hot rice or noodles). Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color, flavor, and a bit of crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy every last bit of crispiness and warm, sticky glaze.
How to Serve Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp
Garnishes
A handful of sesame seeds scattered over the top not only ups the crunch factor but looks incredibly inviting. Freshly chopped green onions add a zingy freshness and gorgeous color contrast to the golden shrimp. If you really want to dazzle, a few sprigs of cilantro or a squeeze of lime make a lively finishing touch that takes this dish over the top.
Side Dishes
Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is deliciously versatile when it comes to sides. A bowl of fluffy steamed rice lets the bold flavors and sticky glaze shine. Feel like going lighter? Try piling the shrimp onto a crisp salad with sliced cucumbers, carrots, and a drizzle of the glaze as dressing. If noodles are your thing, toss your shrimp over udon or rice noodles to make it a hearty main course. Don’t be afraid to serve it alongside stir-fried veggies for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it party-ready by serving each shrimp skewered with a cocktail pick for an elegant appetizer platter. Top mini lettuce cups with the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp for a crunchy, handheld bite. For something different, use them to fill Asian-style steamed buns or wrap in grilled tortillas with a cilantro slaw for unforgettable fusion tacos. However you present them, this dish begs to be shared and savored!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the shrimp cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will lose some of their initial crispiness after being tossed in the glaze, but they’ll still taste absolutely delicious for up to two days. Just be sure to refrigerate promptly to keep everything fresh and safe.
Freezing
For the best texture, freeze the fried shrimp before adding the glaze. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen until hot and crisp, then toss with freshly made glaze just before serving. Glazed, leftover shrimp are not ideal for freezing as the coating can get soggy.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is in the oven or toaster oven. Place the shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp. You can also use an air fryer for an even speedier result. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the coating soft rather than crispy.
FAQs
Can I bake or air fry the shrimp instead of frying in oil?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, spray the coated shrimp with a little oil and bake them at 425°F for around 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. An air fryer is another fantastic option—cook at 400°F for about 7-9 minutes. The shrimp will still be delightfully crispy, especially when tossed with the honey glaze right after cooking.
What size shrimp works best for Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp?
Large shrimp (about 21-25 per pound) strike the perfect balance between juicy and bite-sized. They hold up well during frying and are satisfyingly meaty, but medium shrimp work in a pinch—just watch the cooking time so they don’t overcook!
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
If you love your honey glaze thick and clingy, let it simmer for an extra minute after adding the cornstarch slurry. For a lighter drizzle, add a splash of water or a teaspoon of rice vinegar until you reach your desired consistency. Adjusting the glaze is easy and lets you customize the finish every time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour and soy sauce, both of which contain gluten. To keep it gluten-free, substitute the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use a tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. The result will be just as delicious and just as crispy!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients, but fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. You can keep the cooked shrimp warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) until all are ready to toss with the honey glaze and serve together.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is more than just a recipe—it’s a showstopper for any night when you want something a little extraordinary. The sweet, sticky glaze and golden crunch are sure to win raves at your table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your household. Give it a try and let yourself be wowed by just how fun and flavor-packed homemade shrimp can be!
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Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp are a delightful combination of crunchy shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey glaze. Perfect for a quick and easy Asian-inspired meal that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- vegetable oil for frying
Honey Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each shrimp into beaten eggs, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Honey Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Glaze the Shrimp: Toss the crispy shrimp in the warm glaze until coated. Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve over rice or noodles for a full meal.
- You can also bake or air fry the shrimp for a lighter option.
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