Crispy Honey Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Honey Shrimp Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes. The secret is a light, crispy coating that clings to tender shrimp, all tossed in a sweet and savory honey glaze. It’s the perfect fast weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer. For another quick meal, try this Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe.

Ingredients

This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp recipe combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried prawns with a sweet, savory, and glossy sauce that’s ready in minutes. Gather these simple ingredients for a restaurant-quality dish at home.

• 12 oz prawns (about 350g, peeled and deveined)
• 2 cloves garlic (fine chopped)
• 2 spring onions (thin slices)
• Toasted sesame seeds (to serve)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 egg white
• Coating: 1 cup corn starch, ⅓ cup plain flour, ¼ tsp baking soda
• Honey sauce: 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp corn starch, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ¼ cup chicken stock (or water)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Shrimp

Pat 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2 — Create the Dredge

In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. The baking powder helps create an extra-light, airy crust.

Step 3 — Coat the Shrimp

Dredge each dried shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thorough coating. Shake off any excess and place the coated shrimp on a wire rack for 5 minutes to let the coating set.

Step 4 — Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat 2 inches of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid crowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 5 — Make the Honey Glaze

While the shrimp fry, combine 1/3 cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6 — Glaze and Toss

Place all the crispy shrimp in a large bowl. Pour the warm honey glaze over the top and toss gently and quickly to coat every piece evenly. The glaze will set slightly as it cools on the hot shrimp.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Serve your Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp right away while hot and crispy. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a perfect finish.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~24 g
Carbohydrates	~28 g
Fat	~12 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~480 mg

Note: Estimates are for one serving of Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp and are based on typical ingredients and preparation methods. Actual values may vary.

Healthier Alternatives

This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several practical swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Alternative (Tofu) — Use extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, for a plant-based option. It soaks up the honey glaze beautifully and can be air-fried for a similar crispy texture.
• Lower-Carb Swap (Sugar-Free Syrup) — Replace the honey with a sugar-free maple syrup or a monk fruit-sweetened syrup to reduce the carb count while maintaining the signature sticky-sweet glaze.
• Dairy-Free (Cornstarch Batter) — For a dairy-free crispy coating, skip the buttermilk and dredge the shrimp directly in seasoned cornstarch or a cornstarch-water slurry before frying or baking.
• Gluten-Free (Rice Flour) — Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend to create a light, crispy crust that is completely gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium (Coconut Aminos) — Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce in the glaze for a similar umami depth with significantly less sodium, complementing the honey perfectly.
• Air Fryer Method — For a lighter version, skip the deep fry. Lightly coat the shrimp in oil and air fry until crispy, then toss in the glaze. This cuts down on oil dramatically.
• Spicy Kick (Sriracha Honey) — Add a tablespoon of sriracha to the honey glaze mixture. It creates a sweet-heat balance that elevates the flavor profile of the shrimp.
• Nutty Flavor (Sesame Oil) — Finish the dish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It adds a rich, nutty aroma that pairs excellently with the honey glaze.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• For a vibrant meal, pair it with a simple side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad.
• Transform it into an appetizer by serving the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks alongside a dipping sauce like sweet chili or sriracha mayo.
• Make it a taco night by wrapping the shrimp in warm flour tortillas with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• For a casual party, serve the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp in a large bowl as a finger-food centerpiece, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion.
• Elevate the plating by arranging the shrimp neatly on a long platter, drizzling extra glaze over the top, and adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions.

This versatile dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive starter for guests. The sweet and savory glaze of the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp complements both light and hearty sides beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan, which steams the shrimp instead of frying them. Fix: Cook in a single layer in batches to ensure each piece gets perfectly crispy.
• Mistake: Adding the honey glaze too early, causing it to burn and turn bitter. Fix: Cook the sauce separately and toss the fried shrimp in it just before serving.
• Mistake: Using shrimp with excess moisture, which prevents a good sear. Fix: Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and coating.
• Mistake: Skipping the cornstarch or using flour alone for the coating. Fix: A light dusting of cornstarch creates an ultra-crispy, glass-like crust that holds the glaze.
• Mistake: Cooking the shrimp for too long, making them tough and rubbery. Fix: Shrimp cook quickly; fry for just 1-2 minutes per side until pink and curled.
• Mistake: Not balancing the sweetness of the honey with acidity. Fix: Add a splash of rice vinegar or fresh lime juice to the glaze for a bright, complex flavor.
• Mistake: Using oil that isn’t hot enough, leading to greasy, soggy shrimp. Fix: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and test with a breadcrumb—it should sizzle immediately.
• Mistake: Letting the finished dish sit too long before serving. Fix: Serve your Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp immediately to maintain its signature texture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the shrimp have cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may become slightly less crispy upon thawing.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp in an air fryer or conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes until hot and crispy. You can also use a skillet over medium heat. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the shrimp soggy.

Always allow cooked shrimp to sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacterial growth.

Conclusion

This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special appetizer. For a complete meal, serve it over rice or pair it with a fresh Crunchy Asian Salad With Peanut Dressing Recipe. We hope you love it—be sure to leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

How do I keep the shrimp crispy after glazing?

For the best Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying and drain the shrimp on a wire rack after cooking. Toss them in the glaze just before serving to prevent the coating from getting soggy.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the shrimp for a lighter version. Toss them in a little oil and bake on a parchment-lined sheet at a high temperature until cooked. The final texture will be less crispy than fried, but the honey glaze will still be delicious.

What can I serve with Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp?

This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the glaze and a simple vegetable like steamed broccoli. For a complete meal, a fresh cucumber salad offers a nice cool contrast to the sweet and crispy shrimp.