Name: Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup cold sparkling water; Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep); 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry); Sesame seeds for garnish; Chopped green onions for garnish

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If you’re craving something sweet, savory, and satisfyingly crunchy, Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is about to become your new obsession. Imagine plump shrimp, perfectly coated in a feather-light, crispy batter before being tossed in a sticky honey glaze with a gentle kick of heat—the kind of dish that vanishes from the platter before you know it. This Asian-inspired favorite comes together in under 30 minutes, making it just as perfect for a weeknight treat as it is for impressing friends at your next dinner party. Whether you serve it with rice or pile it high atop a salad, Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is pure flavor magic in every bite.

Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list—each ingredient in Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp has a special role, from creating that irresistible crunch to infusing the glaze with layers of umami, sweetness, and a touch of heat. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters for the final dish.

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with tails on give the dish its succulent, juicy bite and make for easy eating.
Cornstarch: This is the secret to an extra-crispy coating, helping the batter puff up beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure to the batter so it fries up golden and light.
Baking Powder: A pinch makes the batter airy and delicate, never heavy.
Garlic Powder: Infuses a savory, aromatic undertone into every bite.
Paprika: Lends a subtle warmth and a pretty hint of color to the coating.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the batter and balancing the sweet glaze.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle background heat that complements the glaze.
Sparkling Water: The bubbles make the batter especially light and crisp—cold is best!
Vegetable Oil: Neutral-flavored oil is perfect for deep frying, ensuring a golden crust without overpowering the shrimp.
Honey: The star of the glaze, bringing luscious sweetness and shine.
Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami richness and balances the honey’s sweetness.
Rice Vinegar: Brings gentle tang that brightens the glaze.
Sriracha or Chili Sauce: For a touch of heat—add more or less to taste.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds nutty, toasty depth to the sauce.
Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the glaze so it clings lovingly to every shrimp.
Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: The perfect garnish for crunch and a pop of color.

How to Make Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water, whisking constantly to create a smooth, lump-free batter. The bubbles in the sparkling water are your ticket to that signature light, crispy coating—don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the batter stick and ensure maximum crunchiness. Keeping the tails on not only looks great for presentation, but also gives you a handy “handle” for dipping and munching.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil to 350°F (a thermometer is super helpful here for accuracy). Hot oil is key for frying the shrimp quickly and evenly, so they turn out crisp—not greasy.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Gently lower the shrimp into the hot oil, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are golden brown and perfectly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.

Step 5: Make the Honey Glaze

While the shrimp rest, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for about a minute, until the glaze thickens to a glossy, pourable consistency—just right for clinging to those crispy shrimp.

Step 6: Coat and Garnish

Immediately toss the hot, crispy shrimp in the warm honey glaze, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Finish with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant crunch. Serve right away for the ultimate Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp experience!

How to Serve Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Garnishes

To make your Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp truly pop, don’t skip the garnishes. A handful of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty crunch, while a scattering of thinly sliced green onions brings fresh, zippy flavor and a splash of color. If you’re feeling fancy, a bit of chopped cilantro or a few rings of red chili can take the presentation to the next level.

Side Dishes

This dish is pure magic over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up every drop of the sweet-savory glaze. For a lighter meal, try serving alongside a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad, sautéed snap peas, or even some stir-fried noodles. The bright, bold flavors of the shrimp pair beautifully with almost anything you’d find at your favorite takeout spot.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, skewer the glazed shrimp and arrange them upright on a platter for a fun party appetizer. Or serve them atop mini bao buns with a dab of extra glaze and a slaw for a playful twist. For a family-style meal, pile the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp high on a large platter, letting everyone dig in while it’s hot and sticky.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the shrimp and glaze separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep well for up to two days, although they’re at their absolute best right after frying.

Freezing

While Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fried (unglazed) shrimp on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing the glaze, as it can become runny or separate after thawing.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat the shrimp in a 375°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crisp again. Gently rewarm the glaze in a saucepan or microwave, then toss the shrimp with the sauce just before serving. This method keeps everything as close as possible to the original crispy, sticky perfection.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry with paper towels before battering and frying. Excess moisture can prevent the batter from crisping up properly.

What if I don’t have sparkling water?

While sparkling water gives the batter its lightness, you can substitute with regular cold water in a pinch. The texture will still be delicious, just slightly less airy and crisp.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Definitely. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce or omit the sriracha in the honey glaze. You’ll still have all the sweet, savory goodness with just a hint of warmth.

Can I make Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The results are every bit as crispy and tasty.

What oil is best for frying the shrimp?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils allow the shrimp to fry quickly and evenly without imparting any unwanted flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that combines crunch, sweetness, and a touch of heat, Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is the answer. It’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it always steals the show at any table. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is a delicious Asian-inspired dish featuring large shrimp coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a sweet and spicy honey glaze. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of honey and the heat from sriracha, this recipe is ideal for a flavorful main course served alongside steamed rice or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Batter

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup cold sparkling water
Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)

Honey Glaze

1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha or chili sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Sesame seeds for garnish
Chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Slowly stir in the cold sparkling water until you have a smooth and slightly thick batter ready for coating.
Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure batter sticks well and to avoid oil splatter during frying.
Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer for accuracy.
Coat and fry the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess batter to drip off. Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel–lined plate.
Make the honey glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly until the glaze thickens, about 1 minute.
Coat the shrimp with glaze: Transfer the crispy shrimp into a large bowl. Pour the warm honey glaze over the shrimp and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the glazed shrimp. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness and flavor.

Notes

Serve immediately to maintain the crispy texture of the shrimp.
For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the sriracha.
Pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh Asian-style salad for a complete meal.
Ensure shrimp are completely dry before coating to prevent oil splatter during frying.
Use cold sparkling water in the batter for extra crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Deep Frying
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired