Name: Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ cup cornstarch; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 egg; ¾ cup cold water; Oil for frying (vegetable or canola); ¼ cup honey; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

I love making this crispy honey-glazed shrimp recipe because it perfectly balances a crunchy, golden exterior with a sweet, tangy glaze. The shrimp stay tender inside while the honey glaze adds a delicious burst of flavor with just a hint of spice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

½ cup cornstarch

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 egg

¾ cup cold water

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the honey glaze:

¼ cup honey

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add cold water. Mix into the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms.

Dip each shrimp into the batter, coating it evenly.

Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).

Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

For the glaze, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.

Place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss gently to coat each shrimp evenly.

Serve immediately, optionally garnished with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or extra chili flakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people as an appetizer or 2-3 as a main dish. Prep and cooking time combined take roughly 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick yet impressive meal.

Variations

I sometimes swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different kind of sweetness. For extra crunch, I’ve added crushed panko to the batter. Also, swapping out shrimp for chicken tenders works well if I want a heartier dish. For a spicier glaze, I add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

Storage/reheating

I recommend eating this shrimp fresh to keep the crispiness. If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crunch without sogginess. Avoid microwaving, which can make the batter soggy.

FAQs

How do I make sure the shrimp stay crispy after glazing?

I fry the shrimp until they’re very crispy and drain them well on paper towels. When adding the glaze, I toss gently and serve immediately to preserve the texture.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! I thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and remove excess moisture before dipping in batter to get the best crisp.

Is there a gluten-free option for the batter?

Definitely. I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch as usual. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free.

Can I make the honey glaze ahead of time?

I often make the glaze ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Before tossing with shrimp, I warm it slightly to loosen it up.

What can I serve with crispy honey-glazed shrimp?

I like serving this shrimp with steamed jasmine rice, sautéed veggies, or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Conclusion

This crispy honey-glazed shrimp recipe is one I turn to when I want a flavorful, quick, and satisfying dish. The contrast between the crunchy batter and the sweet-savory glaze keeps me coming back for more. It’s easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser, whether for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp