If you’re craving a dish that pairs irresistibly crispy texture with a luscious, sticky-sweet finish, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe. It’s a brilliant fusion of crunchy golden shrimp bathed in a shiny honey glaze that carries just the right touch of savory and tangy notes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a snack to impress friends, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of crispiness and glaze. Each element plays a key role, from the light batter that crisps up beautifully to the fragrant honey mixture that makes every bite sing with flavor.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Makes sure your shrimp are fresh and large for the best texture and juiciness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the crispy batter.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and lightness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps create a light, airy texture when fried.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle kick without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup cold sparkling water: The bubbles in sparkling water keep the batter light and airy.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy crust.
- 1/4 cup honey: The star sweetener that glazes the shrimp with a sticky, luscious coating.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth to balance the honey’s sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that brightens up the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Infuses a warm, slightly spicy aroma and flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: A classic flavor enhancer that adds punch to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Introduces a toasted, nutty richness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry): Thickens the honey glaze to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Batter
Start by mixing your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend is what gives your shrimp that unbeatable crunch. Gradually pour in cold sparkling water while stirring until you get a smooth batter. The carbonation in the sparkling water is like magic—it makes the batter light and airy, so each shrimp fries up perfectly crisp.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl to avoid sogginess, then carefully place them into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until your shrimp turn a glorious golden brown. Transfer them to paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze
While your shrimp rest, prepare the glaze. Combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Let the mixture simmer gently so the flavors blend beautifully. Then whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the glaze, cooking for another minute or two until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Once the glaze is ready, toss the crispy shrimp in it thoroughly so every morsel is coated with that irresistible shine and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast between the crunchy coating and the sticky-sweet glaze that makes this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
To take your presentation up a notch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions over the glazed shrimp. These garnishes add a lovely textural contrast and a pop of vibrant color that make the dish even more mouthwatering.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a fluffy coconut rice that soaks up all the extra glaze. You can also serve it alongside lightly sautéed vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy for a fresh and crisp bite to complement the shrimp’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve your glazed shrimp atop a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for a fun lettuce wrap, or skewer them for a party appetizer. Even layering them on an Asian-style noodle salad adds fantastic texture and flavor contrast—making the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe versatile for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep that wonderful crispness as much as possible, place a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture. Enjoy within 2 days for optimum freshness.
Freezing
While freezing the cooked shrimp is possible, it’s better to freeze the uncooked shrimp separately and fry them fresh to maintain maximum crunch. If freezing cooked shrimp, wrap tightly and use within one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, use an oven or toaster oven set to 350°F and warm the shrimp for about 5–7 minutes. This method helps restore some of the original crispiness. Avoid the microwave as it can make your shrimp soggy and dull the glaze texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating in batter to prevent excess moisture, which can affect crispiness.
What can I substitute for sparkling water in the batter?
You can use club soda or very cold seltzer water to achieve a similar light and airy batter effect, but sparkling water is ideal for that extra crisp bite.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use cornstarch as usual. Just ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free—tamari is a great alternative.
How spicy is the glaze?
This recipe leans more towards sweet and savory rather than spicy, but the fresh ginger adds a nice, gentle warmth without overpowering heat.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly fried shrimp for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe is hands down one of those dishes that keeps you coming back for more. It combines a crunch that’s just addictive with a glossy, flavorful glaze that makes every bite delightful. Don’t hesitate to try it soon—you’ll want to share this treasure with everyone you know!
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Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This recipe for Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp features large shrimp coated in a light, crispy batter and fried to golden perfection. The shrimp are then tossed in a sweet and savory honey glaze infused with soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, delivering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for a quick and impressive appetizer or main dish, this recipe serves four in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Batter and Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold sparkling water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Honey Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until a smooth batter forms without lumps.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to a depth of about 2 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C), suitable for deep frying the shrimp evenly and achieving a crispy texture.
- Fry the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off, then carefully place them into the hot oil. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
- Make the honey glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the glaze: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning.
- Coat the shrimp: Toss the crispy fried shrimp in the warm honey glaze until each piece is fully coated and glossy, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Serve: Serve the honey-glazed shrimp hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Using cold sparkling water in the batter helps create a lighter, crispier texture.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure shrimp cook quickly without absorbing too much oil.
- The cornstarch slurry thickens the glaze for a perfect sticky coating without making it too heavy.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze during simmering.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately to retain its crispiness.
