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)

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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.