If you’re craving something that perfectly balances crunch and sweetness, you have to try this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe. It delivers succulent shrimp with an irresistible crispy coating, all generously coated in a luscious honey glaze that brings out a beautiful harmony of flavors. Every bite bursts with that satisfying crispiness, mingled with the subtle tang of vinegar and the warming notes of ginger and garlic, making it an unforgettable dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to delight and become a new favorite on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe a standout. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor, from the crunchy coating to the sticky, glossy glaze.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, tender and quick to cook, providing juicy seafood flavor.
- Cornstarch and all-purpose flour: These combine to create the light, crispy coating that clings beautifully to each shrimp.
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: Essential seasoning that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor and adds a subtle savory kick.
- Eggs, beaten: Acts as the perfect binder to ensure the coating sticks firmly for that irresistible crunch.
- Vegetable oil: The frying medium that helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior without overpowering flavors.
- Honey: The heart of the glaze, infusing sweetness and a glossy finish that makes every bite a delight.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth balancing the sweetness of honey perfectly.
- Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Gives a mild tang that lifts and brightens the glaze flavor.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma to the glaze that elevates the entire dish.
- Fresh garlic and ginger: Minced and grated fresh to deliver warmth and zing, making the glaze vibrant and fresh.
- Cornstarch slurry: A simple mixture that thickens the glaze to just the right consistency for coating.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: Optional garnishes that add texture, a pop of color, and extra flavor.
How to Make Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Coating Mixture
First things first, pat your shrimp perfectly dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere better. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to create a well-seasoned, crispy crust. Have your beaten eggs ready in a separate bowl because the dredging process will have you dipping shrimp twice for maximum crunch.
Step 2: Double Dredge the Shrimp
Dipping the shrimp into the flour mixture, then eggs, and back into the flour again is the magic trick here. This double coat method creates that thick, crunchy shell that holds up wonderfully even after tossing in the honey glaze. Press lightly to make sure the flour mixture sticks well to each piece.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches so they cook evenly and don’t overcrowd the pan. Each side only needs 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp become gorgeously golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil and keep the crisp intact.
Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze
While the shrimp cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Bring this aromatic mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to marry and intensify with each bubble.
Step 5: Thicken the Glaze
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring as the glaze thickens to a glossy, luscious consistency, about 2 minutes. This step ensures the glaze will coat the shrimp perfectly without running off.
Step 6: Toss Shrimp in Honey Glaze
Now for the fun part — toss your crispy shrimp directly into the pot with the warm honey glaze. Stir gently to coat each piece generously with that sticky, flavorful sauce. This final step is where the magic of the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe truly comes alive.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions over the glazed shrimp for a beautiful finish. Serve them immediately while the shrimp is hot and crunchy to enjoy the full burst of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions add an extra layer of texture and fresh brightness. Alternatively, a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro or a few red chili flakes can bring additional flavor twists and eye-catching color to your dish.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a fragrant coconut rice. A crisp side of sautéed bok choy or a crunchy cucumber salad can also complement the rich glaze, balancing the meal with freshness and lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp on a bed of lettuce leaves and turn it into a finger-food party dish with chopsticks at hand. You could also lay them atop a crunchy noodle salad or use the shrimp as a flavorful topping on a bowl of ramen or udon noodles for a heartier meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store crispy shrimp and honey glaze separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps keep the shrimp from getting soggy while preserving the glaze’s flavor.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze the shrimp before glazing. Arrange fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. The honey glaze doesn’t freeze well, so prepare it fresh when ready to reheat.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a hot oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, then warm the honey glaze on the stove and toss shrimp in it right before serving. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat them very dry, and remove any excess moisture before cooking. This ensures the coating sticks well and fries up crispy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so it works perfectly here.
Can I bake instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispness, you can bake the shrimp on a greased baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won’t be quite as crunchy but still delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe is mild and sweet by nature. If you like heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze or sprinkle some fresh sliced chilies on top for a spicy kick.
Can I make the honey glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it. Rewarm gently on the stove before tossing with freshly cooked shrimp to keep that sticky, luscious texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe is a total game-changer with its perfect crunch and sweet-savory glaze that feels both indulgent and fresh. I can’t recommend it enough for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen, impressing everyone lucky enough to share the meal with you.
Print
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
Description
A delicious recipe for Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp featuring perfectly fried shrimp coated in a sweet and tangy honey glaze, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. This dish combines crunchy texture and flavorful glaze for a delightful appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp and coating mixtures: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In one bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
- Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the egg, then back into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even, thick coating.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the honey glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the glaze: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue simmering for about 2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Toss shrimp in glaze: Immediately toss the crispy shrimp in the honey glaze until all pieces are well coated.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to get a crispy coating; use a thermometer if possible.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- The glaze can be adjusted in sweetness or acidity by varying honey and vinegar amounts.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute flour accordingly.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.
