If you love a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and irresistibly crispy textures, you are going to adore this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe. It takes large, tender shrimp, coats them in a delicately light batter that fries up to golden perfection, and then wraps them in a luscious honey glaze boasting hints of garlic, ginger, and soy. This recipe is the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again because every bite brings together a harmony of contrasting flavors and satisfying crunch. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is bound to shine on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and guarantees that beautiful balance of flavors and textures in your Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe. Each one is simple but essential, from the light and airy batter components that create crispy shrimp to the sweet and tangy glaze that finishes the dish with a brilliant shine and flavor boost.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh, plump shrimp make the base of this dish so juicy and tender.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and lightness to the batter coating.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds crispiness to the batter for that perfect crunch.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the batter puff up lightly when fried.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the shrimp and batter.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the dish.
- 1/2 cup cold sparkling water: Creates a light, bubbly batter for excellent texture.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Use a neutral oil that heats evenly for frying the shrimp to crisp perfection.
- 1/4 cup honey: The star of the glaze, delivering natural sweetness and shine.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and umami that complements the honey beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A touch of acidity to brighten the glaze’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that pairs wonderfully with garlic.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds savory punch that balances the sweet glaze.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Provides a toasty, nutty fragrance to round out the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry): Thickens the glaze for that lovely sticky coating.
How to Make Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by combining the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. This combo creates the perfect base for your batter, giving the shrimp a light but crisp coating once fried. Next, gradually stir in the cold sparkling water until you have a smooth consistency. The sparkling water is the secret to making your batter airy and crisp once it hits the hot oil.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep pan with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is crucial—it ensures the shrimp cook evenly and the batter crisps up without soaking up excess oil. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the batter, letting any excess drip off, then carefully lower them into the hot oil in batches. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until you see a beautiful golden color and the shrimp are satisfyingly crispy. Transfer the fried shrimp to paper towels to drain excess oil. This step creates that signature crunch that makes this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze
While the shrimp are frying, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer gently to meld the flavors. Then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency that will cling beautifully to the shrimp.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Place your crispy shrimp in a large bowl and pour the honey glaze over them. Toss well so every piece is fully coated with that sticky, flavorful sauce. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect contrast between the crispy texture and the smooth, sweet, and savory glaze.
How to Serve Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a simple way to elevate your presentation and add a punch of texture or flavor. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions on top for a subtle crunch and fresh burst of color. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime can also brighten the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soak up the extra glaze perfectly. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp Asian slaw or sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas to add freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in lettuce cups sprinkled with chopped peanuts and a drizzle of extra glaze for a handheld appetizer. Alternatively, pile the glazed shrimp over a bed of crunchy noodles or thinly sliced cucumbers for refreshing texture contrast. This recipe is versatile enough to shine in both casual and elegant settings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and glaze together for the best flavor, but note that the coating might lose some crispness during storage.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for maintaining maximum crispness. If you do freeze, flash freeze the battered but unfried shrimp on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, fry directly from frozen and toss in freshly made glaze after frying.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in an oven set around 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to help restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make the batter soggy. After warming, toss with a little fresh glaze if desired to refresh the flavor and stickiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent the batter from becoming soggy and to ensure crispy frying.
What can I substitute for sparkling water in the batter?
If you don’t have sparkling water, you can use ice-cold club soda or even cold water, but sparkling water gives the lightest and crispiest batter thanks to the bubbles.
Is the glaze very sweet?
The glaze has a perfect balance of sweetness from the honey, umami from soy sauce, and bright acidity from rice vinegar. It’s sweet, but balanced and never overpowering.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just warm it up gently before tossing with the crispy shrimp to loosen it back up.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and soy sauce certified gluten-free to adapt this recipe while maintaining its bubbly, crispy texture and rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special without complicated steps, perfect for sharing with friends or family. The combination of crunchy batter and sticky, flavorful glaze is pure magic. I can promise that once you try this recipe, it will become a fast favorite in your home too. Give it a go and enjoy every bite of these golden, irresistible shrimp!
Print
Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp recipe features large shrimp battered and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a sweet and tangy honey glaze infused with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The sparkling water in the batter ensures a light, crispy coating, making this dish an irresistible appetizer or main course that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Batter
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually stir in the cold sparkling water until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick batter without lumps.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pan or frying pot. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to ensure the correct temperature for frying.
- Batter and fry the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place shrimp into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the honey glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the glaze: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy. Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Toss shrimp in glaze: Place the crispy fried shrimp in a large bowl, pour the warm honey glaze over them, and toss gently until each shrimp is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the glazed shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to keep the oil temperature steady to avoid greasy shrimp.
- Use sparkling water cold to ensure a lighter, crispier batter.
- You can substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops or fish chunks.
- For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Leftover glazed shrimp are best enjoyed immediately as the batter will lose crispiness over time.
