Golden, crispy shrimp glazed in a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce that clings to every curve — this dish is the definition of crave-worthy. Whether you’re hosting friends or just indulging in a little midweek treat, Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp delivers that irresistible combination of crunch, sweetness, and heat. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to steal the show at your next dinner party.

The shrimp are lightly battered and pan-fried until beautifully crisp, then tossed in a glossy glaze made from honey, garlic, soy, and just the right touch of chili flakes. With the caramelization from the honey and that gentle kick of spice, each bite sings with bold flavor. Serve it with rice, wrap it in lettuce cups, or just snack on them straight from the pan. However you enjoy them, these shrimp are a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Balanced Flavor: The honey brings sweetness, soy sauce adds umami depth, garlic punches up the aroma, and chili flakes bring just enough heat.
Fast & Impressive: It’s ready in under 30 minutes, but it looks and tastes like you ordered it from a high-end bistro.
Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves crispy shrimp, especially when they’re coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin cooking, it helps to have your station ready. Prepping in advance makes this recipe flow effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Non-stick skillet or wok: Crucial for evenly crisping the shrimp without sticking.
Mixing bowls: One for coating the shrimp and another for mixing the glaze.
Whisk: Ensures your glaze emulsifies and blends smoothly.
Tongs or a slotted spoon: For flipping and removing shrimp safely.
Paper towels: To drain the excess oil after frying and keep the shrimp crispy.

Each of these tools plays a role in keeping the shrimp tender on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside while allowing the glaze to thicken beautifully without burning.

Ingredients for the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Shrimp – The star of the show. Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for best texture and taste.

Cornstarch – Helps create a delicate, crispy coating when pan-fried.

Salt and Black Pepper – Basic seasoning to enhance flavor.

Garlic Powder – Adds an extra layer of savory depth to the shrimp before frying.

Vegetable Oil – Ideal for high-heat frying; it gives the shrimp their golden finish.

Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze.

Soy Sauce – Brings the salty, umami balance to the glaze.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses bold flavor into the sauce.

Red Pepper Flakes – For just the right amount of heat.

Rice Vinegar – Cuts the sweetness and brightens the glaze.

Cornstarch Slurry (Cornstarch + Water) – Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to each shrimp.

Fresh Parsley (Optional) – A final garnish for color and freshness.

How To Make the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. In a bowl, toss them with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until fully coated.

Step 2: Crisp the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Create the Glaze

In a clean skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar. Heat over medium heat until it starts bubbling.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry. Stir into the bubbling glaze and cook until thickened (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 5: Toss to Coat

Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat in the thick, sticky glaze. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.