Description
Crispy Honey Shrimp is a delightful dish featuring large shrimp coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a sticky, sweet honey glaze with savory soy sauce and garlic. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of textures and flavors that are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Breading
- 2 lb large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails ON)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 whole egg + 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons scallions (chopped)
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp with a kitchen towel and season evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to enhance the natural shrimp flavor.
- Prepare Breading Station: In one bowl, beat together 1 whole egg and 1 tablespoon water. In another bowl, combine 1 cup cornstarch, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon baking soda. Set both aside.
- Coat Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping. Repeat for all shrimp.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until hot enough for deep frying (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry Shrimp: Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches, frying for 3-5 minutes until shrimp are cooked through and golden brown with a crispy crust. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate skillet, heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons water, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Add the cornstarch slurry (½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water) to the skillet and simmer gently for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: Add the fried shrimp to the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each shrimp evenly with the sticky honey glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons chopped scallions over the shrimp. Serve immediately for best crispiness and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are patted dry before seasoning and breading to achieve a crispy coating.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- The cornstarch slurry in the sauce helps thicken the glaze evenly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor.
- Adjust honey or soy sauce amounts to balance the sweetness and saltiness according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
