Love takeout-style shrimp with a sweet and crunchy twist? This crispy honey shrimp recipe is the perfect homemade version. It’s quick, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for batter)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Oil (for deep frying)
For the honey sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
Make Crispy Honey Shrimp
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Wash your shrimp and pat them dry. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and coat the shrimp lightly with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This helps the batter stick better.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together:
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Mix until smooth. Dip each shrimp into this batter.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Heat oil in a pan for deep frying. Once hot, add shrimp one by one and fry until golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Sauce
In a pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
Stir well. In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and pour it into the pan. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Coat the Shrimp
Add the crispy shrimp to the sauce. Toss well until all pieces are coated with the sticky, sweet honey glaze.
Serving Tips
Serve your crispy honey shrimp hot with:
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Noodles
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and a nice look.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better than takeout
- Made with pantry ingredients
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
- Sweet, savory, and super satisfying
Tips for Best Results
- Use cold water in the batter for an extra crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Cook in small batches.
- You can double the sauce if you like your shrimp extra saucy.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw and pat them dry before using.
2. Can I bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep frying?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy as deep-fried. For best results, follow the deep-fry method.
3. Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s sweeter and tangier. If you like spice, add a pinch of red chili flakes.
4. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breast into small pieces and follow the same steps.
5. How long can I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This crispy honey shrimp is the ultimate quick dinner or party snack. It’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and satisfies those restaurant-style cravings right at home. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back for more!
