Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4

Description

This irresistible Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp combines perfectly golden, crunchy shrimp with a sticky-sweet glaze that balances honey’s natural sweetness with savory garlic and a hint of heat. The light cornstarch coating creates an incredible crispy texture while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy inside.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1½ lbs large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails removed
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¾ cup cold sparkling water or club soda
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 3 cups)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Gradually add cold sparkling water, whisking until you have a smooth, thick batter. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon.
4. Let batter rest for 5 minutes while you heat the oil.

Make the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. Keep warm.

Fry the Shrimp:

1. Heat oil in a large, heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Working in batches, dip shrimp into batter, letting excess drip off.
3. Carefully add to hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Repeat with remaining shrimp, maintaining oil temperature.

Finish and Serve:

1. In a large bowl, toss the crispy shrimp with the warm honey garlic sauce until well coated.
2. Transfer to serving plate and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Chef’s Tips

• Keep it crispy: Don’t overcrowd the oil when frying, and make sure oil temperature stays at 350°F
• Double fry method: For extra crispiness, fry shrimp once for 2 minutes, rest for 1 minute, then fry again for 1 minute
• Sauce consistency: If sauce becomes too thick, thin with a tablespoon of water; if too thin, simmer a bit longer
• Serving suggestion: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or with Asian-style coleslaw

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 890mg