Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp
Okay, picture this: the moment those golden, crispy shrimp hit the pan, the kitchen fills with a sweet, sticky aroma that’ll have you hovering like a hungry little kid waiting for fresh cookies. This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp recipe is one of those magic dishes where crunchy meets gooey, and that sticky honey glaze gives it just the right balance of sweet and savory. I love how quick it comes together, yet it feels like a special treat every time. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to tweak whether you like a little heat or want to keep it mild. Seriously, if you’re after a crowd-pleaser that makes you look like you spent hours in the kitchen—but really, you didn’t—this is your new go-to!
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but amazing!)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken)
How I Make It
Step 1:
First things first, I mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, I beat the eggs until smooth. This two-step dipping process is the secret to that crunchy coating.
Step 2:
Dip each shrimp into the egg, then coat it generously in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece gets a nice, even layer—this will give you that perfect crispy texture when fried.
Step 3:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering (around 350°F if you have a thermometer), work in batches and fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the shrimp crispy.
Step 4:
While the shrimp cook, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 5:
Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens to a smooth, glossy glaze. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes—watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Step 6:
Remove the shrimp from the oil and let them drain briefly on a paper towel. Then toss them gently in the honey glaze until each shrimp is coated in that sticky, shiny goodness. Serve immediately for the best crunch!
Variations & Tips
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey glaze.
- Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
- Use panko instead of flour mixture for an even crunchier bite.
- Make it paleo by using almond flour and coconut aminos in the sauce.
- If you don’t want to fry, bake shrimp at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, then glaze.
How I Like to Serve It
These shrimp taste amazing over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. I often pair them with a simple cucumber salad or some sautéed greens to balance the richness. This dish is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or even a fun appetizer at your next game night!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a hot skillet to keep the crispiness!
- If you want to prep ahead, make the shrimp in advance and toss them in the honey glaze just before serving.
Closing: This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is one of those foolproof recipes that never fails to impress, bringing that perfect balance of crunch and sweet stickiness every single time.