Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp: Amazing 30-Min Meal

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Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp has become my go-to weeknight wonder! I remember the first time I successfully made these, the kitchen filled with this incredible sweet and savory aroma, and my family practically inhaled them. It’s amazing how something so simple can feel so luxurious. If you’ve ever wondered how to make crispy honey glazed shrimp that’s both impressive and incredibly easy, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is my secret weapon for a quick, delicious meal that always hits the spot. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp

You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons! These delightful morsels are:

Incredibly Delicious: The sweet and savory glaze perfectly complements the crispy shrimp.
Super Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
A Healthier Option: Packed with protein and uses lean shrimp.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Family-Approved: Even picky eaters will devour this honey glazed crispy shrimp.
Versatile: Great as a main dish or an appetizer.
Impressive Presentation: Looks and tastes like restaurant-quality honey glazed crispy shrimp.

Ingredients for Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp

Gather these simple ingredients for the most amazing crispy honey glazed shrimp. Getting the shrimp prep right is key for that perfect honey glazed shrimp crispy coating.

1.5 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on – make sure they’re fully prepped for easy coating.
1/4 cup cornstarch – this is your secret weapon for that irresistible crispiness.
1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for a hint of warmth.
2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil – for pan-frying to golden perfection.
2 cloves garlic, minced – adds a fragrant aromatic base to our glaze.
1/4 cup honey – the star of our sweet glaze.
2 tablespoons soy sauce – for that essential savory umami depth.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar – adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste) – for a gentle kick of heat.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish) – adds a burst of freshness and color.

How to Make Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp

Making these amazing crispy honey glazed shrimp is easier than you think! My favorite part is how quickly they come together, making them perfect for a weeknight meal. The key is getting that shrimp really dry before you start.

Step 1: Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that wonderful crispiness! Season the dry shrimp with salt and pepper, then toss them in cornstarch until they are evenly coated. Gently shake off any excess cornstarch.
Step 2: Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle when the shrimp hit it. Cook the shrimp in a single layer; this is important so they crisp up instead of steam. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are delightfully crispy. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 3: Once the shrimp are golden and crispy, remove them from the skillet. Carefully drain off most of the oil, leaving just about a tablespoon in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Now, it’s time for the glaze! Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice it starts to thicken slightly, creating that lovely sticky sauce. This is where the magic happens for our pan-fried honey shrimp.
Step 5: Return the cooked, crispy shrimp back to the skillet with the glaze. Toss them gently to coat every piece. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the sauce thickens further and clings beautifully to the shrimp. This step ensures your pan-fried honey shrimp are perfectly coated.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your delicious pan-fried honey shrimp with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while they’re hot and perfectly crispy!

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp

Want to elevate your shrimp game? Follow these simple tips for guaranteed success:

Patting the shrimp completely dry is non-negotiable for crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches to ensure each shrimp gets perfectly golden.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking for the perfect amount of heat.
Let the glaze simmer for a minute or two before adding the shrimp back to thicken it up.

What’s the secret to perfect crispy honey glazed shrimp?

The absolute key is drying the shrimp thoroughly before coating them in cornstarch. This step ensures how to get shrimp crispy for glaze is a success, preventing a soggy coating. For more insights on achieving perfect textures, you might find information on food preparation techniques helpful.

Can I make crispy honey glazed shrimp ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prep the shrimp (peel, devein, coat in cornstarch) a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Cook just before serving for optimal crispiness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with crispy honey glazed shrimp?

Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this causes the shrimp to steam rather than crisp. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp. Finally, don’t overcook the garlic in the glaze, or it will burn.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp

These crispy honey glazed shrimp are incredibly versatile! For a fantastic weeknight meal, serve them over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up any extra glaze beautifully, making it a complete dish. You can also pair them with a side of crisp-tender steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans for a balanced and healthy plate. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, simply arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This honey glazed shrimp recipe for dinner also works wonderfully as a topping for a fresh salad or stir-fry. Consider trying them with a side of overnight oats for a complete meal experience.

Nutrition Facts for Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for this delicious recipe. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use.

Calories: 310
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 860mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on dietary fiber, you can explore how much fiber is too much.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp

Properly storing and reheating your crispy honey glazed shrimp is key to enjoying them again. Once they’ve cooled down a bit after cooking, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze them for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat them is in a skillet over medium heat. This helps restore some of that lovely crispiness, making it feel like a fresh quick crispy honey shrimp dinner. For a different culinary experience, consider trying a savory whole roasted cauliflower.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp

What makes these honey glazed shrimp so crispy?

The magic happens with a few key steps! First, patting the shrimp completely dry with paper towels is crucial. Then, coating them evenly in cornstarch helps create a fantastic crispy exterior when pan-fried. This simple technique is often considered the secret to getting shrimp crispy for a glaze. You can find more tips on achieving perfect textures in various recipes, like this multigrain bread recipe.

Is this the best recipe for crispy honey glazed shrimp?

I certainly think so! It balances sweet and savory perfectly with just the right amount of spice. The ease of preparation and the restaurant-quality results make it a winner in my book. It’s a reliable and delicious way to whip up a fantastic meal.

Can I make crispy honey glazed shrimp with different cooking methods?

Absolutely! While pan-frying gives that classic crisp, you can also adapt this for an air fryer or even baking. For the air fryer, cook at around 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, tossing halfway. Baking works too, but you might not get quite the same level of crispiness as pan-frying.

Why isn’t my honey glazed shrimp crispy?

Several things can cause this. Most commonly, it’s due to not drying the shrimp thoroughly before coating, or overcrowding the pan, which causes them to steam. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp. These steps are vital for achieving that desirable crunch.

Variations of Crispy Honey Glazed Shrimp You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love experimenting with this versatile dish! Here are a few ideas to shake things up and make your homemade crispy honey glazed shrimp even more exciting.

Gluten-Free Twist: For a gluten-free version, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. This maintains that savory depth while keeping it celiac-friendly.
Air Fryer Crispy Honey Shrimp: Prefer to skip the stovetop? You can achieve fantastic results with an air fryer! Toss the cornstarch-coated shrimp with a little oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Then, toss with the prepared glaze. This is a great way to make air fryer crispy honey shrimp.
Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Amp up the flavor by adding a tablespoon of minced fresh ginger along with the garlic in the glaze. You can also increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for an extra kick.
Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Shrimp: For minimal cleanup, try a sheet pan version. Toss the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then roast on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. While they roast, prepare the glaze, then toss everything together in a bowl once cooked. For another sheet pan idea, check out this ribbon carrot salad.