Crispy honey glazed shrimp has become my go-to for a reason – it’s unbelievably delicious and surprisingly simple! I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of garlic and sweet honey filling my kitchen instantly made my mouth water. The shrimp come out perfectly golden and crisp, coated in this sticky, irresistible glaze that’s both sweet and savory. If you’re looking for an impressive yet easy meal, this crispy honey shrimp recipe is an absolute winner. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
This recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight meals or impressing guests. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- It’s incredibly fast, clocking in at just 25 minutes total.
- The texture is amazing – perfectly honey glazed shrimp crispy coating that’s so satisfying.
- It’s a versatile dish, great as an appetizer or a main course.
- The sweet and savory glaze is addictive and balances the crispiness beautifully.
- You only need pantry staples and fresh shrimp for this easy crispy honey shrimp.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters adore.
- The flavors are bright and fresh, with just a hint of spice.
- Cleanup is a breeze, especially if you use a non-stick skillet.
Ingredients for Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful honey glazed crispy shrimp is the first step to a fantastic meal. You’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on – make sure they’re completely dry for that perfect crisp
- 1/4 cup cornstarch – this is key for achieving that signature crispy coating
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil – for pan-frying
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds a wonderful aromatic base
- 1/4 cup honey – the star of our sweet glaze
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – for that savory depth
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar – adds a touch of tang to balance the sweetness
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste) – for a hint of heat
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish) – for a pop of color and freshness
How to Make Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
Making this homemade crispy honey glazed shrimp is simpler than you might think! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish in no time. The key is getting that perfect crisp before coating it in the luscious glaze.
- Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Shrimp
First, pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that wonderfully crispy exterior! Season them generously with salt and pepper. Then, toss the shrimp in cornstarch until they are evenly coated, shaking off any excess. This dry coating is your secret weapon for crispiness.
- Step 2: Pan-Fry the Shrimp
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowde the pan – work in batches if needed. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and beautifully crispy. This method ensures each piece gets that perfect sear.
- Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and drain any excess oil, leaving just a tablespoon behind. Reduce the heat to medium, add your minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Then, stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. For more information on the benefits of honey, check out this Healthline article.
- Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the perfectly pan fried crispy honey shrimp to the skillet with the glaze. Toss everything together gently, ensuring each shrimp is coated in that sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and cling beautifully to the shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and serve immediately while they’re hot and unbelievably delicious.
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure my crispy honey shrimp recipe turns out perfectly every single time. Follow these tips, and you’ll be a pro in no time!
- Always pat your shrimp completely dry before coating. This is the most important step for achieving that coveted crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This allows the shrimp to crisp up instead of steam, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. If you love a little kick, add a bit more for a delightful spicy honey glazed crispy shrimp.
- Ensure your glaze is slightly thickened before adding the shrimp back. This helps it cling better for that perfect sticky coating.
What’s the secret to perfect crispy honey glazed shrimp?
The absolute secret is ensuring your shrimp are bone-dry before coating them in cornstarch. This dry surface allows the cornstarch to adhere properly and fry up to a perfect crisp, giving you that amazing texture in every bite.
Can I make crispy honey glazed shrimp ahead of time?
While this dish is best served immediately for maximum crispiness, you can prep the shrimp and sauce components ahead of time. However, I highly recommend frying the shrimp just before serving to guarantee that perfect crunch.
How do I avoid common mistakes with crispy honey glazed shrimp?
The biggest mistake is overcrowding the pan, which leads to soggy shrimp. Make sure to cook in batches! Also, avoid overcooking the glaze, as it can become too thick and burn easily. Keep an eye on it!
Best Ways to Serve Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
This versatile dish is fantastic served in so many ways! For an impressive appetizer, arrange these crispy shrimp appetizer honey bites on a platter with toothpicks, perfect for parties. As a main course, I love serving them over fluffy jasmine rice or with a side of steamed broccoli to balance the sweetness. You could also toss them into a fresh salad for a delightful crunch and flavor boost. They’re truly a showstopper, no matter how you serve them! For more delicious shrimp recipes, check out these shrimp avocado mango bowls or this creamy garlic shrimp recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
When enjoying this delicious crispy honey glazed shrimp, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving. This information helps you understand the nutritional profile of this flavorful dish.
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 860mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used for your honey glazed crispy shrimp. For more healthy dinner ideas, consider our easy Mediterranean salmon patties.
How to Store and Reheat Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious crispy honey glazed shrimp tasting great, even if you have leftovers! Once the shrimp have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When it comes to reheating, the best way to bring back that amazing crispiness is to use a skillet over medium heat with a tiny bit of oil, tossing them until heated through and crisp again. This is the secret to successful crispy honey shrimp recipe storage!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
Can I use a different type of shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! While large shrimp are ideal for this crispy honey glazed shrimp recipe, you can use medium or extra-large shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time slightly – smaller shrimp cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking and ensure they remain tender.
How can I make these crispy honey glazed shrimp spicier?
For a kick, you can easily turn these into spicy honey glazed crispy shrimp! Increase the red pepper flakes in the glaze to 1/2 teaspoon or even a full teaspoon, depending on your heat preference. You could also add a dash of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra layer of spice.
What if I don’t have soy sauce? Can I substitute?
If you’re out of soy sauce or looking for a different flavor profile, tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes for a similar savory depth. For a different twist, you could try a combination of Worcestershire sauce and a touch of honey for a richer, slightly tangier sauce, leaning towards a honey garlic crispy shrimp vibe. You can find more sauce recipes here.
How do I ensure the glaze doesn’t burn?
The key to preventing the glaze from burning is to keep the heat at medium when you add the garlic and then simmer the sauce gently. Stir frequently and don’t let it boil vigorously. The honey can caramelize quickly, so once it thickens slightly, add the shrimp back and toss just until coated and heated through.
Variations of Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, don’t be afraid to get creative with this fantastic crispy honey glazed shrimp recipe! It’s so adaptable. For a healthier spin, try making air fryer crispy honey shrimp. You’ll get that same addictive crunch with less oil. Simply follow the cornstarch coating steps, then air fry at 380°F (190°C) for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Another great option is sheet pan crispy honey shrimp; toss the coated shrimp with some veggies like broccoli florets and bell peppers on a baking sheet, roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, then toss with the glaze. For a flavor twist, experiment with adding a teaspoon of sesame oil to the glaze for a nutty depth or a pinch of ginger for a zesty kick. For more sheet pan ideas, check out this sheet pan sausage and sweet potatoes recipe.
Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp: 25 Minute Game-Changer
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp recipe offers a quick and impressive dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy perfectly crisp shrimp coated in a sticky, sweet-savory honey glaze. It’s simple to make and can be served as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Toss shrimp in cornstarch until evenly coated, shaking off excess.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Work in batches if necessary.
- Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the glaze and cook for 1-2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the shrimp.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use large or extra-large shrimp (21/25 or 16/20 count per pound).
- Ensure shrimp are patted completely dry before coating with cornstarch for maximum crispiness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- This glaze also works well with other proteins like chicken or tofu.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 large shrimp
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
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