If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor, texture, and just a touch of sweetness, this Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture succulent shrimp coated in a perfectly crispy crust, then enveloped in a sticky, shiny honey glaze that is both sweet and savory. The balance of crunchy exterior and tender interior, paired with the luscious glaze, makes this recipe a standout whether for a weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends. It’s quick, easy, and every bite invites you to savor the delightful Asian-inspired layers of taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role in developing the dish’s irresistible character. From the lightly spiced shrimp that provide the base flavor to the combination of honey and soy sauce that creates the glossy finish, every item is carefully chosen to build a perfect harmony of tastes and textures.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled, deveined, and with tails removed for effortless eating and even cooking.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the natural shrimp flavor and balances the sweet glaze.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth into the shrimp coating.
- Paprika (¼ teaspoon): Provides mild smokiness and a hint of color to the crust.
- Cornstarch (⅓ cup): The secret to that irresistible crispy shell when the shrimp cook.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for frying, ensuring golden browning without heaviness.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): The star of the glaze, contributing sweetness and shine.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings savory depth and salty balance to the glaze.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds bright acidity to cut through the sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Imparts toasty, nutty notes for an authentic Asian touch.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): Offers zesty freshness and warmth.
- Fresh garlic (1 teaspoon, minced): Enhances the glaze with sharp, aromatic layers.
- Optional sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Perfect for garnish, providing freshness and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure that the cornstarch sticks well and the shrimp crisp up beautifully. Then, sprinkle on kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, tossing everything gently to evenly coat the shrimp. You’re setting the stage for layers of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp with Cornstarch
Toss the seasoned shrimp in cornstarch until they have a light, even coating. This thin layer is what transforms ordinary shrimp into a delightfully crispy bite. Don’t overdo the cornstarch though — just a gentle dusting is all you need for that perfect crunch.
Step 3: Crisp the Shrimp in Olive Oil
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This quick sear locks in the shrimp’s juiciness and forms the coveted crispy exterior. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate, ready for the glaze.
Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze
Reduce the heat to medium and add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced fresh ginger, and garlic directly to the skillet. Stir everything well and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes glossy. The intoxicating aroma filling your kitchen is just the beginning of the feast to come!
Step 5: Toss Shrimp in Glaze
Return the crispy shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat every piece in that luscious honey glaze. Cook for an additional minute so the shrimp are heated through and perfectly shiny. Remove from heat and get ready to garnish and serve.
How to Serve Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch can truly elevate your Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top to bring a fresh, sharp contrast and a pop of vivid green color. Toasted sesame seeds add a fun crunch and subtle nuttiness that complements the glaze perfectly. These simple garnishes make the dish as inviting to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Side Dishes
This shrimp recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa to soak up every bit of that gorgeous honey soy glaze. Alternatively, stir-fried vegetables with bright colors and flavors bring a healthy and harmonious balance to the meal. Each side elevates the shrimp while ensuring a comforting and complete plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in lettuce cups for a hands-on appetizer or light meal. You can also toss the shrimp with noodles and fresh herbs to transform the dish into a hearty Asian-inspired salad. No matter how you plate it, the glossy, crispy shrimp always steal the show and will leave everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep well for up to 2 days. While the coating might soften over time, the flavors remain just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the crispy texture is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you must freeze, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat the shrimp without losing too much crispness, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the shrimp rubbery and the coating soggy. A quick reheat in the oven revives much of the original crunch and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and dry the shrimp before seasoning and coating. Excess moisture can prevent proper crisping.
Is cornstarch necessary for the crispy texture?
Yes, cornstarch creates the delicate crust that crisps up quickly during frying, giving the shrimp their signature crunch.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze or toss the shrimp in a dash of hot sauce after cooking for a fiery kick.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, a mild apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work, just use slightly less to keep the acidity balanced.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe is gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about biting into shrimp that is crispy on the outside and laced with a luscious honey glaze on the inside. I encourage you to try this Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe soon — it’s easy enough to whip up any night of the week but special enough to impress guests. Once you make it, I’m certain it will become a favorite in your cooking repertoire, bringing joy and a burst of flavor to your table again and again.
Print
Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp recipe features perfectly seasoned shrimp coated in a light cornstarch crust, pan-fried to golden crispiness, and then tossed in a luscious honey-soy glaze with hints of ginger and garlic. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a delicious and quick Asian-inspired main course that pairs wonderfully with rice or stir-fried vegetables, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Shrimp Seasoning and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance flavor. Then toss the shrimp with cornstarch until they are lightly and evenly coated, which will help create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and get crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate to rest.
- Make the Honey Glaze: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glaze.
- Toss Shrimp in Glaze: Return the crispy shrimp to the skillet with the glaze and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cook for an additional 1 minute to allow the shrimp to become glossy and heated through, absorbing the flavors of the glaze.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, then serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables to make it a complete meal.
- For added heat, incorporate a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the glaze during cooking.
