There’s something magical about shrimp recipes that balance crispy crunch with a sticky, sweet glaze. This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is one of those dishes that never fails to impress—golden-brown shrimp coated in a luscious honey-soy glaze with a hint of garlic, ginger, and optional heat from sriracha. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, date night, or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe brings restaurant-level flavor to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
The inspiration behind this recipe comes from the idea of blending comfort food with Asian-inspired flavors. Honey shrimp is a favorite in many takeout spots, but making it at home means you can control the sweetness, spice, and crispiness exactly to your taste. Imagine serving this dish on a warm summer evening with a side of jasmine rice and stir-fried veggies—the perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome. 🍯✨
Why You’ll Love Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp
- Crispy yet tender: The double coating of flour and cornstarch guarantees shrimp with the perfect golden crunch while staying juicy inside.
- Sweet, savory, and spicy (if you like): The honey glaze combines soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger for bold flavors that coat every bite.
- Quick to make: From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
- Versatile serving options: Pile it over rice, toss with noodles, or even serve as an appetizer for parties.
- Restaurant quality at home: Forget takeout—this shrimp tastes gourmet and costs less than dining out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels—this step is essential for ensuring a crispy coating. In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated.
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot enough (around 350°F), carefully fry the shrimp in batches. Each side should take about 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. Make the Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the back of a spoon.
3. Coat the Shrimp & Serve
Add the crispy shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey glaze over the top and toss gently until every shrimp is fully coated. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Steamed Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice is perfect for soaking up the extra honey glaze.
- With Noodles: Toss the shrimp and glaze with lo mein or rice noodles for a heartier meal.
- As an Appetizer: Serve on skewers or in small bowls at parties.
- With Vegetables: Pair with broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for a balanced plate.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon shrimp into butter lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option.
Tips for the Best Crispy Shrimp
- Dry the shrimp well before dredging—excess moisture prevents crispiness.
- Fry in small batches so the shrimp don’t overcrowd and steam instead of crisp.
- Keep the oil hot (around 350°F) for even golden cooking.
- Serve immediately—the glaze tastes best when warm and glossy.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing the sriracha.
Variations to Try
- Coconut Honey Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the flour mixture for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Chili Honey Shrimp: Swap sriracha with chili paste for more heat.
- Orange Honey Shrimp: Replace rice vinegar with orange juice for a citrusy glaze.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Air-Fryer Method: Instead of frying in oil, air-fry coated shrimp at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until golden, then glaze.
What to Serve With Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp
This dish shines when paired with light and fresh sides that balance the sweet and savory glaze. Here are some ideas:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or asparagus.
- Asian-Inspired Slaw: Shredded cabbage with sesame dressing for crunch.
- Fried Rice: A perfect match for soaking up extra sauce.
- Pickled Cucumbers: Refreshing tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- Miso Soup: A warm, comforting starter.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Prep ahead: You can peel and devein the shrimp up to a day before cooking. Keep them refrigerated until ready to fry.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat shrimp in an air fryer or oven to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.
- Freezing: While you can freeze cooked shrimp, the coating loses crispness. For best texture, enjoy fresh.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
(Values may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Pairing Ideas
- Drinks: Pair with crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc), a citrusy beer, or sparkling water with lime.
- Dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert like mango sorbet or coconut rice pudding.
FAQs About Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them fully and pat dry before coating.
2. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, then coat with the glaze.
3. What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best because they stay juicy and meaty after frying.
4. Can I make the glaze in advance?
Absolutely. Prepare the glaze up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before tossing with shrimp.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Just skip the sriracha or reduce the spice for a milder glaze.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is the ultimate dish that bridges comfort and sophistication. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners, yet impressive enough for entertaining. Every bite delivers crunch, sweetness, and savory richness that lingers on the palate.
Whether you serve it with fluffy rice, wrap it in lettuce cups, or set it out as a party appetizer, this shrimp recipe has a way of turning any meal into something special. And the best part? It’s far easier than it looks.
So, the next time you’re craving something bold, crispy, and glazed in honey goodness, skip the takeout menu—make it fresh at home instead.
Final Thoughts
Cooking shrimp may seem intimidating, but once you try this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp recipe, you’ll see just how fun and rewarding it can be. The golden crunch, the sticky-sweet glaze, and the fresh garnish of sesame seeds and scallions make this dish one you’ll want to make again and again.
Now it’s your turn to bring this irresistible recipe to life in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a family dinner, a romantic meal, or a festive gathering, these honey-glazed shrimp are sure to steal the spotlight.