Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

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Golden, caramelized, and dripping with flavor — Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is that irresistible fusion of sweet and savory that delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite. With juicy shrimp tossed in a spicy, sticky honey glaze, this dish is a quick masterpiece that looks gourmet but takes under 30 minutes from prep to plate. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing recipe you whip up for weeknight dinners, date nights, or last-minute guests and still get rave reviews.

The glaze clings beautifully to the crispy shrimp, balancing smoky spice with the sweetness of honey, while a touch of citrus brightens each mouthful. The high-heat sear locks in flavor and texture, making every bite unforgettable. Whether served over jasmine rice, nestled in tacos, or paired with noodles, these shrimp are the definition of bold flavor made easy.

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Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

• Quick & Easy: From stovetop to table in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: A combination of spicy chili flakes, rich garlic, and sweet honey coats every crispy shrimp bite.
• Restaurant-Style Crunch at Home: Thanks to a light starch coating and high-heat pan-frying.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust spice levels to make it mild, medium, or hot — your call.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main, a party appetizer, or a taco filling.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (and Why They Matter)

To get the perfect Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp, the right tools make a noticeable difference:

• Nonstick or Cast Iron Skillet – A heavy-bottomed pan ensures even heating and gives shrimp that golden sear without sticking. Cast iron adds crispiness, while nonstick offers easier cleanup.
• Mixing Bowls (Medium and Small) – You’ll need separate bowls for seasoning the shrimp and mixing the glaze.
• Tongs or a Slotted Spoon – Ideal for flipping shrimp evenly and removing them from hot oil without splatter.
• Paper Towels and Wire Rack – Drain excess oil after frying to preserve the crispy coating.
• Microplane or Zester – Optional but helpful if you’re adding fresh citrus zest for brightness.
• Whisk or Spoon – For blending the honey glaze until smooth and cohesive.

Each tool plays a role in maximizing texture and flavor. A well-seared shrimp starts with the right pan, and that sticky, glossy glaze clings better when mixed thoroughly and added at the perfect time.

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Preparation Tips

• Pat Shrimp Dry – Moisture is the enemy of crisp. Use paper towels to pat shrimp completely dry before coating.
• Even Coating – Toss shrimp in cornstarch (or a mix of flour and cornstarch) right before frying to avoid sogginess.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches if needed. Crowding reduces oil temperature and leads to steamed, rubbery shrimp.
• Pre-Mix the Glaze – Combine all glaze ingredients before starting to cook so it’s ready to go when the shrimp are hot and crispy.
• Use Medium-High Heat – It’s the sweet spot for crispy shrimp: hot enough to sear but not burn.
• Toss Quickly with Glaze – As soon as shrimp come off the heat, toss them with the glaze so they soak up flavor without softening too much.

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Ingredients for This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this deliciously sticky, crunchy shrimp dish:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch (for crisp coating)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for extra crunch)
• 3 tbsp oil (vegetable or avocado oil, for frying)

For the Honey Glaze:

• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice for tang)
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional for heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional but adds zing)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for nutty flavor)
• Pinch of chili flakes (optional, for spice lovers)

Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

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Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels — this step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Once evenly coated, sprinkle in the cornstarch and flour. Toss again until every shrimp is lightly dusted and ready to fry.

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Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), sriracha, minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a pinch of chili flakes. Set this aside so it’s ready to go as soon as your shrimp come out of the pan.

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Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Heat oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (you’ll see it shimmer), add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, flipping once. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and opaque centers. Don’t overcrowd — work in batches if necessary.

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Step 4: Toss with the Glaze

As soon as the shrimp are crisp and cooked through, transfer them to a bowl lined with paper towels. Then, while they’re still hot, toss them in the glaze until evenly coated. The warm shrimp will soak up all the sticky-sweet goodness perfectly.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Plate the glazed shrimp and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds. Add lime wedges on the side for a fresh burst of citrus before serving.

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Notes

• Shrimp Size Matters: Use large or jumbo shrimp for best texture. Smaller ones can overcook quickly and become rubbery.
• Customize the Glaze: Want it spicier? Add extra sriracha or chili flakes. Prefer a milder dish? Use more honey and skip the hot elements.
• Crisp It Right: The combo of cornstarch and flour delivers the perfect light crunch — don’t skip it unless you’re baking or air frying.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not Drying the Shrimp First: If your shrimp are wet, the coating won’t stick, and you’ll lose that desired crispiness.
• Overcrowding the Pan: This drops the oil temperature and steams the shrimp instead of frying them — fry in batches!
• Letting the Glaze Sit Too Long: The glaze thickens quickly and can become sticky. Make sure it’s ready to pour immediately after frying.
• Overcooking: Shrimp cook fast — about 2 minutes per side. If they curl tightly into a “C” or shrink a lot, they’re likely overdone.
• Not Preheating the Pan: Skipping this step results in uneven cooking and soggy texture.
• Using Too Much Oil: A shallow fry is all you need — this isn’t deep-fried shrimp.
• Waiting to Toss in Glaze: Shrimp should be glazed while still hot for maximum flavor absorption.
• Serving Too Late: These shrimp are best served right after glazing — that’s when the texture and flavor peak.

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What to Serve With Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp?

The bold, sticky-sweet flavors of this shrimp dish pair beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Whether you’re going for something light, starchy, or refreshing, there’s a combo to match any mood or meal plan.

8 Recommendations

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fluffy, aromatic rice soaks up the glaze beautifully — it’s a simple base that lets the shrimp shine.

2. Garlic Noodles

Buttery, savory garlic noodles offer a comforting contrast to the sweet heat of the shrimp.

3. Crispy Asian Slaw

A crunchy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame vinaigrette adds a fresh and zesty balance.

4. Stir-Fried Veggies

Think broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas in a light soy sauce — quick, colorful, and nutritious.

5. Coconut Rice

For a tropical twist, coconut rice adds richness and complements the honey glaze beautifully.

6. Shrimp Tacos

Stuff the glazed shrimp into warm tortillas with avocado, slaw, and a drizzle of lime crema for a flavor-packed taco night.

7. Chili-Garlic Green Beans

Spicy green beans mirror the heat in the shrimp and add a bold veggie side.

8. Mango Salsa

A sweet and tangy mango salsa works wonders as a topping or side — especially if you’re turning this dish into tacos or bowls.

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Storage Instructions

Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them without sacrificing too much texture:

• Refrigerate: Store cooled shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the glaze-coated shrimp separate from any sides like rice or slaw to avoid sogginess.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of oil to re-crisp. Avoid microwaving — it softens the crispy coating and can overcook the shrimp.
• Freezing Not Recommended: The glaze and coating don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. If you must, freeze the shrimp before cooking and glaze fresh.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving — based on 4 servings total)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 190mg
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fiber: 1g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific brands and modifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe without frying the shrimp?

Yes! You can bake or air fry the shrimp. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. In the air fryer, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes. The texture won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

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2. Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes and sriracha, but you can easily control the heat. Omit the spice if you prefer a sweeter glaze or double it for more fire.

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3. What kind of shrimp should I buy?

Large or jumbo raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, are best. Tail-on for presentation, or tail-off for easier eating — your choice.

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4. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely — just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and cooking to avoid excess moisture.

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5. How do I keep the shrimp crispy after glazing?

Glaze the shrimp right before serving, and serve immediately. Avoid covering them tightly or letting them sit too long.

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6. Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes. The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with the shrimp.

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7. What oil is best for frying the shrimp?

Use a neutral, high smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil. Avoid olive oil, which may burn at higher temps.

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8. Can I use this glaze on other proteins?

Definitely! It pairs wonderfully with chicken, tofu, or even salmon. It’s a versatile sweet-and-savory glaze.

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Conclusion

Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. With minimal prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and bold flavor in every bite, this dish brings restaurant-quality results straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it over rice, tucking it into tacos, or enjoying it solo, it’s guaranteed to impress. This is one of those recipes that ends up on repeat — easy enough for weekdays, special enough for guests.

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