As I stood in my kitchen, the sizzling sound of shrimp hitting the hot skillet instantly transported me to a bustling Asian street market. Something about the aroma of crispy honey glazed shrimp wafting through the air makes your taste buds dance with anticipation. This delightful dish is not just a feast for the senses; it’s also a quick and easy way to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests with minimal effort. A mere 20 minutes is all it takes to transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-style sensation that’s perfect for pairing with rice or noodles—and yes, there’s a gluten-free option available! Are you ready to dive into a plate of crispy goodness? Let’s bring that vibrant flavor home and create a meal that’s bound to have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why Will You Love These Shrimp?
Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
Crispy Texture: The perfect crunch from the cornstarch coating ensures every bite is satisfying.
Flavors That Wow: The blend of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a sweet and savory symphony that tantalizes your palate.
Versatile Meal Options: Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this dish adapts effortlessly to your favorite sides. For a gluten-free version, simply opt for tamari and gluten-free flour!
Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal as an appetizer for gatherings or a delightful weeknight dinner, it’s a surefire hit with family and friends. Trust me, everyone will be asking for your secret recipe!
Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Large Shrimp – Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for a hassle-free cooking experience.
• Salt and Pepper – Season to taste for enhanced flavor that complements the glaze.
For the Coating
• Cornstarch – This creates a delightfully crunchy coating; gluten-free and easily substituted with potato starch if desired.
• Eggs – Beaten smoothly to help bind the coating to the shrimp for maximum flavor.
• Flour – Adds structure to the coat; swap for gluten-free flour for a gluten-free crispy honey glazed shrimp!
For Frying
• Olive Oil – Ideal for frying to golden perfection; can be replaced with vegetable or canola oil as an alternative.
For the Glaze
• Honey – This is the star ingredient that adds a sticky sweetness; agave syrup can serve as a great substitute if you prefer.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic enhances the dish’s aroma and flavor; garlic powder can work in a pinch if needed.
• Soy Sauce – Provides umami richness; choose tamari for a gluten-free version.
• Lemon Juice – Balances the sweetness with a splash of acidity; pineapple juice can add a fun tropical twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
Embrace these ingredients and prepare to wow your taste buds with this irresistible crispy honey glazed shrimp—perfect for quick weeknight dinners!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare Shrimp
Start by patting the large shrimp dry with paper towels, ensuring perfect crispiness later. Season them evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor. It’s important to use peeled and deveined shrimp for easy handling during cooking.
Step 2: Coat Shrimp
In a shallow dish, arrange the flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Start the coating process by dredging each shrimp in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing them to be fully coated, and finally, dredge them in cornstarch, ensuring they are thoroughly covered for that delightful crunch in the crispy honey glazed shrimp.
Step 3: Fry Shrimp
Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, usually after about 3-4 minutes. Carefully add the coated shrimp, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Transfer the shrimp to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain their crispy texture.
Step 4: Make Glaze
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice, stirring well to mix. Let this mixture simmer for approximately 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and infuse the flavors together. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning, as the caramelization adds to the glaze’s richness.
Step 5: Coat Shrimp
Return the crispy shrimp to the skillet with the honey glaze. Toss gently to evenly coat each piece in the sticky mixture. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb the glaze while ensuring they remain crispy. The result will be a beautifully glossy and flavorful coating that perfectly complements the crispy honey glazed shrimp.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the shrimp from the heat and transfer them to a serving plate. For the best experience, serve these delectable crispy honey glazed shrimp hot over a bed of rice or noodles, inviting everyone to dig in while they’re still warm and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispiness.
Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing crispy honey glazed shrimp, as freezing can compromise the texture. If necessary, freeze for up to 1 month in a sealed, airtight bag.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. This method helps restore some crispiness, making them enjoyable again.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the shrimp coating (flour, cornstarch, eggs) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply keep the coated shrimp in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry. Additionally, the honey glaze can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; just whisk it again briefly before use to restore its consistency. When ready to serve, heat the oil and fry the shrimp until perfectly crispy, then coat them with the reheated glaze for tasty results that are just as delicious as when freshly made. Enjoy this time-saving approach to deliciousness!
Expert Tips for Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
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Dry Shrimp Well: Always pat shrimp dry before seasoning and coating to enhance their crispiness during frying. Moisture leads to sogginess, which you want to avoid in your crispy honey glazed shrimp.
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Heat Oil Properly: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding shrimp; a proper shimmer indicates readiness. This ensures a crispy texture and prevents the shrimp from absorbing too much oil.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Fry shrimp in batches to give them space. Overcrowding the pan reduces the oil temperature and leads to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
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Watch the Glaze: While making the honey glaze, keep a close eye as it thickens to avoid burning. A well-balanced glaze enhances the sweet-savory flavor profile of your crispy honey glazed shrimp.
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Toss Gently: When combining the fried shrimp with the glaze, toss gently to maintain their crispy coating. Over-mixing can cause the shrimp to lose their crunch.
What to Serve with Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp
Elevate your dining experience by pairing delectable sides with your crispy honey glazed shrimp that ignite the senses.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the sweet glaze beautifully, providing the perfect base to balance flavors.
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Stir-Fried Noodles: A delightful textural contrast; tossed with veggies and soy sauce, they make each bite a flavorful adventure.
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Crunchy Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a light vinaigrette adds a crisp, refreshing layer to the meal.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Complement the meal with a side of sweet and tender honey-glazed carrots, harmonizing with the shrimp’s flavors.
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Garlic and Butter Broccoli: The richness of butter and garlic enriches your plate, adding a subtle earthiness that pairs well with the shrimp.
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Cucumber Salad: A cool, tangy cucumber salad not only cleanses the palate but also adds a crisp, refreshing crunch.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: Light and palate-cleansing, this drink enhances the sweet-savory experience without overpowering the meal.
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Mango Sorbet: For dessert, a scoop of mango sorbet brings a vibrant tropical finish that echoes the shrimp’s delightful flavor.
Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make this recipe your own and surprise your taste buds!
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Tropical Twist: Swap lemon juice for pineapple juice for a sweet, fruity flavor that’ll transport you to a beach paradise. It adds a refreshing zing that pairs beautifully with the honey glaze.
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Chicken Alternative: Substitute large shrimp with chicken tenders while using the same glaze. You’ll get a heartier dish that’s still bursting with that sticky-sweet sauce!
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Extra Crunch: Add sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a textural contrast and fresh flavor. These little touches can bring an exciting pop to each bite!
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Spicy Heat: Drizzle in red pepper flakes or sriracha to your glaze for a fiery kick. This gives an exciting edge to the sweetness, perfect for the adventurous palate.
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Vegetarian Delight: Swap shrimp for cauliflower florets or tofu cubes, marinated in the glaze. You’ll create a crispy, flavorful vegetarian alternative that’s equally satisfying.
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Proudly Gluten-Free: Utilize gluten-free alternatives throughout, such as tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free flour. Enjoy the same great taste while accommodating your dietary needs!
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Citrus Burst: Introduce lime zest in your glaze for a zesty finish that brightens the overall flavor profile. A hint of lime can elevate the dish with refreshing notes.
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Balsamic Glaze: For an unexpected twist, try a balsamic reduction in place of honey for a savory-sweet blend. It offers a rich depth that’s a delightful departure from traditional flavors.
Don’t hesitate to get creative! If you’re interested in meal pairings, our guide on serving suggestions for crispy dishes could inspire your next family meal.
Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing shrimp, look for large, fresh shrimp that are firm and have a slight sheen. Avoid shrimp with dark spots or a strong fishy smell. For the best flavor, always opt for wild-caught shrimp when possible.
How should I store leftovers of crispy honey glazed shrimp?
Very! To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend putting a paper towel inside the container to absorb any moisture, helping maintain that delightful crispiness. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
Can I freeze crispy honey glazed shrimp?
Yes, but keep in mind that freezing might affect their texture. If you must freeze them, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a sealed, airtight bag and store for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What do I do if my coating is not crispy enough?
No worries! If your coating isn’t as crispy as you’d like, the main reason could be excess moisture on your shrimp. Patting them dry thoroughly before coating is essential. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough—around 350°F (175°C)—before adding the shrimp to fry. If you want an extra crunch, consider adding a bit more cornstarch to the coating mix!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free flour and tamari in place of soy sauce. Additionally, if you’re serving anyone with shellfish allergies, chicken tenders can be substituted.
How do I know when my frying oil is ready?
Great question! You’ll know your oil is ready by looking for a shimmer and slight rippling on the surface. A drop of batter should sizzle when it hits the oil. If you have a kitchen thermometer, aim for 350°F (175°C) for perfectly crispy shrimp!
Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the large shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Coat shrimp in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then dredge in cornstarch.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry shrimp until golden brown.
- Make the glaze by combining honey, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice in the skillet.
- Coat the fried shrimp with the glaze and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
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