If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness, crispiness, and a touch of Asian-inspired flair, this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. The shrimp are coated in a light, crunchy batter that crisps up beautifully, then tossed in a luscious honey glaze infused with soy, ginger, and garlic—resulting in a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough to serve when guests are around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe are refreshingly straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in creating those crave-worthy textures and complex, sweet-savory notes. From the sparkling water that keeps the batter light and airy to the punch of fresh ginger in the glaze, every component works harmoniously.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star ingredient, fresh shrimp ensures tender, juicy bites.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the batter, making that perfect crispy coating.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and lightness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the batter puff up slightly for an airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasoning that brings out all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth to the batter.
- 1/2 cup cold sparkling water: Keeps the batter light and bubbly, crucial for that crisp exterior.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for deep frying.
- 1/4 cup honey: The sweet and sticky base for the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami depth and balances out the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness with a bright tang.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Provides warmth and a fresh zing to the glaze.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a savory kick that complements the honey beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Brings a toasted, nutty aroma to the final glaze.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry): Thickens the glaze to a perfect consistency for coating.
How to Make Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. These dry ingredients are the foundation for your crispy batter. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water to ensure you get a smooth, lump-free batter. The carbonation in the sparkling water is what helps create a wonderfully light and crisp crust on the shrimp.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to a depth of about two inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get the oil to the right temperature so your shrimp fry quickly, sealing in moisture while achieving that irresistible crunch.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Dip each peeled and deveined shrimp into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off gently. Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for around 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they turn a gorgeous golden color and the batter crisps up perfectly. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it begins to gently simmer. This combination of ingredients brings a lively balance of sweetness, acidity, and savoriness that complements the crunchy shrimp.
Step 5: Thicken the Glaze
Whisk the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the simmering glaze and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. This step is crucial to create a sticky, luscious coating that clings beautifully to every bite of shrimp.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Remove the glaze from heat and immediately toss the crispy shrimp in the warm sauce. Make sure each shrimp is fully coated and shining with that delectable honey glaze. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor impact.
How to Serve Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
For easy garnishing ideas, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions over the shrimp right before serving. These garnishes add an extra pop of flavor and color that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up the extra sauce. For a light, fresh contrast, serve alongside a crunchy Asian slaw or sautéed garlic green beans. These sides add variety in textures and complement the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shrimp on a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a simple lemon vinaigrette for a lighter option. You can also skewer the shrimp for a fun appetizer platter, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Presentation is all about making the meal as inviting as its taste, so have fun with it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover crispy honey-glazed shrimp in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain maximum crispiness, store the shrimp and glaze separately if possible, then toss them together just before serving again.
Freezing
While the shrimp can be frozen, the texture of the crispy batter might change after thawing. If you freeze them, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Use within one month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat and revive the crunch, use a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the shrimp soggy. Refresh the glaze separately if needed and toss the shrimp just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well, just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from thinning the batter.
What can I substitute if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or a mild white vinegar as a substitute, but use slightly less since they are stronger in flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free to keep all the flavors intact.
Why is sparkling water used in the batter?
Sparking water adds lightness and air to the batter, helping it become crispy and less dense when fried.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, the glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly fried shrimp for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The combination of crispy, golden shrimp with a sweet and savory glaze is absolutely irresistible. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s bound to brighten up your dinner table and become a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
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 Fusion
Description
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunchy texture and sweet-savory flavor. Lightly battered shrimp are fried to golden perfection and then tossed in a sticky honey glaze infused with soy sauce, fresh ginger, and garlic. It’s a quick, delicious appetizer or main dish that guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal in just 30 minutes.
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 (about 2 inches deep)
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, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the cold sparkling water, stirring until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil in batches, frying for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
- Make the honey glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Let the mixture simmer gently to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the glaze: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat.
- Coat the shrimp: Toss the crispy fried shrimp in the warm honey glaze until each piece is fully coated and shiny.
- Serve: Plate the glazed shrimp immediately, garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use cold sparkling water to make the batter extra light and crispy.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure crispy shrimp without absorbing excess oil.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to keep the oil temperature steady.
- The glaze can be adjusted in sweetness or tang by modifying honey or vinegar to taste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftover glazed shrimp are best eaten immediately to maintain crispiness.
