If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crunch, sweetness, and a touch of Asian-inspired zing, you’re going to love this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe. Imagine succulent shrimp coated in a light, crispy batter, then bathed in a luscious honey glaze that’s just the right mix of sweet, tangy, and savory. This recipe not only brings restaurant-quality shrimp right to your kitchen but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that invites everyone to the table. Let me take you step-by-step through this delightful recipe that’s destined to become one of your go-to seafood favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe starts with simple ingredients that each play a vital role. From the light, airy batter that crisps up the shrimp beautifully, to the savory-sweet glaze that wraps everything in flavor, these ingredients combine elegance with accessibility. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish that offers tender and juicy bites.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This helps build the crispy batter texture.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Creates lightness and airiness in the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle background heat.
- 1/2 cup cold sparkling water: The secret to a crispy, bubbly batter.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: You’ll need enough to deep-fry the shrimp to golden perfection.
- 1/4 cup honey: The sweet heart of the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings a savory depth to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a balanced, tangy brightness.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Offers warm and spicy notes.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Gives aromatic punch and depth.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant nutty finish to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry): Helps thicken the glossy honey glaze just right.
How to Make Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Begin by mixing the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. These dry ingredients set the stage for a batter that crisps beautifully when fried. The baking powder works to lighten the texture so your shrimp stay crunchy, not heavy.
Step 2: Add the Sparkling Water
Slowly stir in the cold sparkling water to the dry mix until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter. The carbonation is the secret ingredient here—it helps create those amazing bubbles in the batter that turn into the irresistible crunch we all love.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to a depth of about 2 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Proper temperature is key for golden, crispy shrimp that don’t absorb too much oil. Use a thermometer if you have one to keep it steady.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the batter, letting any excess drip off so the coating isn’t too heavy. Fry the shrimp in batches for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning them once they achieve a golden-brown crust. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined tray to drain any extra oil.
Step 5: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to warm through.
Step 6: Thicken the Glaze
Add the cornstarch slurry to your bubbling honey mixture and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes while it thickens to a glossy, luscious sauce. Remove from heat to preserve the fresh zing from your aromatics.
Step 7: Coat the Shrimp
Toss the crispy shrimp in the warm honey glaze, making sure every piece is fully coated in that sticky, sweet-salty goodness. This is where crunch meets flavor for an unbeatable combo.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle over some toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an added layer of color and texture. Serve immediately for that unbeatable contrast of crispy shrimp and shiny glaze.
How to Serve Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like toasted sesame seeds, fresh chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of red chili flakes elevate the dish’s appearance and add extra bursts of flavor with every bite. Don’t be shy about these little finishing touches—they make your plate pop.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with a bed of steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up any extra sauce. For freshness, serve alongside a crunchy Asian slaw or some steamed broccoli tossed in sesame oil. The contrast of textures and flavors will keep every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the shrimp in lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra glaze and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. Alternatively, a simple skewer presentation with grilled pineapple chunks offers a tropical twist that’s both fun and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the glazed shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep them separate from any sides to avoid sogginess and maintain that crispy texture as much as possible.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for maintaining the crispiness of this dish, but if you must, place fried, unglazed shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Defrost in the fridge before quickly reheating and glazing fresh.
Reheating
To bring back some crunch, reheat the shrimp in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving, which tends to make them soggy. Add the glaze fresh after warming for that signature shine and flavor boost.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before battering and frying. Excess moisture can affect the crispiness of the batter.
What can I substitute for sparkling water in the batter?
If you don’t have sparkling water, very cold soda water or seltzer works as well. These keep the batter light and bubbly, but avoid still water for best results.
Is the honey glaze spicy?
Not inherently, but you can easily add a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the glaze if you prefer a spicy kick alongside the sweetness.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Baking won’t achieve the same level of crunchiness that frying does. However, you can bake the shrimp on a wire rack with a light spray of oil for a healthier alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.
How do I keep the shrimp crispy once coated in the glaze?
The glaze naturally softens the crispy batter a bit, which is part of its charm. For maximum crispiness, briefly fry the shrimp, glaze them just before serving, and enjoy immediately.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off on any night of the week. Its perfect balance of crunchy texture and sticky-sweet glaze makes every bite a celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how this recipe brings endless smiles around your table!
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Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a light, crunchy batter and fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a sweet and tangy honey glaze infused with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, this dish delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp and 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 bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add sparkling water: Gradually stir in the cold sparkling water into the dry ingredients, mixing gently to form a smooth, slightly thick batter.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying.
- Fry the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they become golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the honey glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the glaze: Stir in the cornstarch slurry to the simmering glaze and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- Toss shrimp in glaze: Place the fried shrimp into a large bowl and pour the honey glaze over them. Toss gently to ensure each shrimp is fully coated.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the glazed shrimp immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use cold sparkling water to create a lighter, crispier batter.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to prevent greasy shrimp.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking.
- The glaze can be adjusted for sweetness by varying the honey amount.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftover glazed shrimp are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
