Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the crunch of perfectly fried shrimp with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy making this dish because it’s both simple and indulgent. The shrimp are coated in a light, crispy batter that holds up well to the sticky honey glaze. The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a favorite in my household. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz prawns (about 350 g), peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
Toasted sesame seeds, for serving
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sesame oil
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 egg

For the coating flour mix:

1 cup corn starch (or potato starch/flour)
⅓ cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)
¼ tsp baking soda

For the honey sauce:

2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp corn starch (or potato starch/flour)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp lemon juice (or lime/orange juice)
¼ cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock/water)

Directions

I start by patting the prawns dry with a paper towel. Then, I season them with salt, black pepper, and sesame oil, mixing well before setting them aside.
In a small mixing bowl, I combine the honey, soy sauce, sugar, corn starch, chicken stock, sesame oil, and lemon juice. I mix until the sugar and corn starch dissolve completely.
In a large mixing bowl, I mix the corn starch, plain flour, and baking soda to create the coating flour mix.
I break one egg white into the seasoned prawns and mix well.
I coat each prawn in the flour mix, ensuring they’re evenly covered.
I heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Once hot, I fry the prawns in batches until they’re golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. I then drain them on a wire rack or paper towels.
In a separate pan, I heat the prepared honey sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly.
I toss the fried prawns in the honey sauce until they’re well coated.
Finally, I garnish the dish with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey sauce for a spicy twist.
Citrus Zing: Replacing lemon juice with orange juice gives the sauce a sweeter, citrusy flavor.
Nutty Crunch: For added texture, I top the dish with chopped roasted peanuts or cashews.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To maintain the crispiness, I reheat the shrimp in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, I use an air fryer for 5-7 minutes at the same temperature.

FAQs

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy?

I ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. After frying, I drain the shrimp on a wire rack to keep them crispy.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw the frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and coating.

Is there a gluten-free version?

I substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.

What can I serve with this dish?

I often serve the shrimp over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

While frying gives the best crispiness, I sometimes bake the coated shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative.

Conclusion

Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is a surefire hit.