Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopping seafood dish with irresistible crunch and a perfect sweet-savory glaze, Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp just might become your new go-to favorite. Each bite delivers juicy, tender shrimp encased in a delicate, golden panko shell, all wrapped in a glossy honey-soy glaze that’s impossibly craveable. This recipe is ridiculously quick and easy, yet spectacular enough to delight anyone lucky enough to grab a fork (or chopsticks) at your table. Best of all, Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp comes together in half an hour, making it just as perfect for a lively weeknight dinner as it is for those spontaneous dinner parties that call for something special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients working together for the biggest impact. Each one plays a starring role — from that signature crunch to the addictive glaze — so don’t skip the details here!

• Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the canvas; tails on or off, your call, but always go for fresh or quality frozen for best texture.
• Cornstarch: Creates a light, starchy base for the breading so the coating actually sticks and crisps up perfectly.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as your “glue,” helping the panko cling for maximum crunch.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These airy Japanese breadcrumbs offer unmatched crispiness and beautiful golden color.
• Salt and pepper: Season simply, but don’t skip it — a well-seasoned shrimp is extra delicious.
• Cooking spray or oil for frying: A little oil (or spray for air frying) is key for crispy, golden shrimp.
• Honey: The heart of our glaze — sweet, sticky, and ready to caramelize right onto every crevice.
• Soy sauce: Adds savory umami balance to the honey, keeping things from turning cloying.
• Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle, tangy brightness that lifts the glaze.
• Sesame oil: Just a touch gives gorgeous nutty aroma every time you take a bite.
• Grated fresh ginger: Offers zingy warmth and that unmistakable “It factor” in the glaze.
• Garlic: Minced for maximum flavor infusion in the honey sauce.
• Cornstarch slurry: Mixing cornstarch with water thickens the glaze just right so it hugs every crispy shrimp.
• Green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Vibrant, crunchy garnishes that make the finished dish pop on the plate.

How to Make Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Step 1: Pat and Season the Shrimp

Start by gently patting your shrimp nice and dry with paper towels. This little step is a game changer! It helps the breading stick and ensures every shrimp gets that craveable crispy exterior. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper — a quick sprinkle adds subtle flavor to each bite before anything else goes on.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Breading is where the real fun begins. Grab three shallow bowls: pour cornstarch in one, beat your eggs in the next, and pour out those crunchy panko breadcrumbs in the last. Line them up so you can move in assembly-line fashion. This keeps things organized and your countertop (mostly) clean!

Step 3: Dredge and Bread the Shrimp

Working with one shrimp at a time, coat first in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in panko until totally coated. Press gently to help those flakes cling on. Repeat for all the shrimp — yes, it takes an extra minute, but your patience is rewarded with a super crunchy shell.

Step 4: Fry or Air Fry Until Crispy

Heat just enough oil in a skillet over medium-high to shallow-fry (or preheat your air fryer). Fry shrimp in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side, until deeply golden and crispy. If air frying, arrange in a single layer and cook for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. The goal: each shrimp is golden, crisp, and the interior stays tender and juicy. Drain briefly on paper towels for extra crispness.

Step 5: Whip Up the Honey Glaze

While the shrimp finish, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium until it gets bubbly and aromatic. Stir in your cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute or two — watch as it thickens up into a luscious, sticky glaze that’s pure magic.

Step 6: Toss the Shrimp in the Glaze

Now for the best part! While the glaze is still warm, gently toss those fresh-from-the-pan shrimp until every nook and cranny is glossy and coated. Move quickly so the breading stays crisp under that beautiful shine. Serve up immediately for maximum crunch and wow-factor.

How to Serve Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds takes your Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp to restaurant-level gorgeous. Their burst of color and crunch make every plate feel festive — not to mention a pop of freshness to balance the glaze. If you’re in the mood for spice, a few red pepper flakes add a sassy kick!

Side Dishes

This shrimp loves good company. Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or simple stir-fried noodles to soak up every bit of that sticky-sweet glaze. Crisp steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a snappy slaw turn this into a craveworthy meal that feels balanced, vibrant, and special.

Creative Ways to Present

For bite-sized fun, try piling crispy shrimp onto lettuce leaves for fresh wraps, or skewer a few for party-ready appetizers. Want an impressive starter? Arrange shrimp over a tangle of cucumber ribbons and drizzle with extra glaze. However you plate it, Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp always steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), let the shrimp cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Place a paper towel underneath to help keep that signature crispness as long as possible. They’ll stay tasty in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

While freshly made is always best, you can freeze cooked, unglazed shrimp for up to one month. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, crisp them up in the oven or air fryer before glazing and serving.

Reheating

To bring Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp back to life, spread leftovers on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F until hot and crunchy (about 8 minutes). The air fryer is even speedier! Microwave is not recommended, as it softens the crunchy breading.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw your frozen shrimp thoroughly and pat them very dry before breading. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so don’t skip that extra pat-down step.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Swap panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers, and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free. You’ll still get all the crunch and flavor of classic Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

You sure can. Prepare the honey-soy glaze, cool, and store it in the fridge for several days. When ready to use, gently warm it up — stirring well — and toss with freshly cooked shrimp right before serving.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

Go for a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. You only need enough to thinly coat your skillet (about 1/4 inch deep) for shallow frying. For air frying, a quick spray with oil is all you need to get that signature crunch.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just work in batches so the shrimp have space to crisp up properly. Keep finished shrimp warm in a low oven while you fry the rest, then toss everyone together in the honey glaze just before serving. Your guests will be thrilled!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly irresistible about Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp — that first shatteringly crisp bite melting into a sweet-savory glaze is pure delight. Whether you serve it up at a weeknight table or set out platters for friends, this dish has a way of putting smiles on faces. Give it a try and discover why everyone comes back for seconds!

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