Name: Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for garnish)

If there's one dish I keep in my back pocket for nights when I want something impressive with very little effort, it's this Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp. It’s the kind of recipe that wakes up your taste buds — perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and dripping in a sticky, sweet-savory honey glaze that clings to every curve of the shrimp. The contrast of crispy texture and glossy sauce is what makes this dish shine.

I first tried a version of this at a street food market, and it immediately became a mission to recreate it at home — minus the deep fryer. After some trial and error, I landed on this version that hits all the right notes. It’s fast, bold in flavor, and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, a main dish, or even tucked inside tacos. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this shrimp recipe is guaranteed to make an impression.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

This dish is all about instant gratification — it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The shrimp cook in a flash, and the glaze is made from pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. What makes this really special is the texture: the shrimp are lightly coated and pan-fried to golden perfection, giving them that irresistible crunch that holds up even after the sauce is added.

Whether you're craving something sweet and savory, need a quick dinner idea, or want a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe has you covered. It’s gluten-free adaptable, meal prep-friendly, and looks way fancier than it actually is.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For the best results, go with large or extra-large shrimp — ideally 21/25 or 16/20 count per pound. I always use peeled and deveined shrimp, with the tails on for extra flavor and a better presentation. Fresh is great if you can get it, but high-quality frozen shrimp (thawed properly) work just as well. Just make sure they're patted completely dry before cooking — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Raw shrimp are essential here — precooked ones won’t absorb the flavors or develop that golden sear. Also, opt for wild-caught if possible; they tend to have better texture and flavor than farmed varieties.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is flexible enough to fit your pantry and dietary needs. Don’t have honey? Maple syrup or agave make fine substitutes, although the flavor will be slightly different.

For a soy-free version, coconut aminos are a great swap. If you're avoiding gluten, make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Want it spicier? Add extra chili flakes or a dash of sriracha. Not into shrimp? This glaze works beautifully on tofu, chicken strips, or even crispy cauliflower.

You can also change up the garnish — parsley gives a fresh contrast, but cilantro or green onions work just as well. The idea is to keep the crispy + sticky balance while playing with flavors you love.

Ingredients for This Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Shrimp
The star of the show — juicy, tender, and quick to cook. Large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) give the best bite and presentation.

Cornstarch
A light dusting creates that addictive crispy coating when pan-fried. It’s key to getting the golden crust without deep frying.

Salt & Black Pepper
Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavor of the shrimp.

Garlic (minced)
Adds depth and aroma to the glaze, giving it that irresistible savory note.

Honey
The sweetness that balances out the salt and heat. It thickens as it cooks, turning into a glossy glaze.

Soy Sauce
Brings umami and saltiness to the sauce — just enough to make the dish pop.

Rice Vinegar
Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the glaze and cut through the sweetness.

Red Pepper Flakes
For subtle heat — you can adjust depending on how spicy you want it.

Olive Oil or Neutral Oil
Used for pan-frying the shrimp to golden perfection. Neutral oils like canola or grapeseed also work well.

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish)
Gives a final hit of freshness and color to the dish.

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp completely dry with paper towels — this helps them crisp up properly. Then season them lightly with salt and pepper. Toss them in a bowl with cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. You may need to work in batches to keep them from steaming.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In the same pan, remove excess oil if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Glaze the Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the glaze. Cook for 1–2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to cling and slightly caramelize on the shrimp.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and serve immediately. The shrimp should be sticky, glossy, and crispy all at once.

How Long to Cook the Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Shrimp cook incredibly fast — you only need about 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat to get them golden and just cooked through. Overcooking is the quickest way to ruin them, so as soon as they turn opaque and curl into a "C" shape, they’re done.

Once the sauce goes in, give them 1 to 2 extra minutes to soak up the glaze without softening that crispy texture. Altogether, the cooking time is under 10 minutes — just enough to caramelize the glaze and coat the shrimp beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp

Dry your shrimp thoroughly before adding the cornstarch. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. If the shrimp are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of sear.
Use high heat for that quick, golden sear. A hot skillet makes all the difference in getting that crisp edge.
Prep your sauce ingredients in advance. Things move quickly, and you don’t want to burn the garlic while fumbling for the soy sauce.
Adjust the glaze to your taste. Want it sweeter? Add a drizzle more honey. Need more zing? Splash in extra vinegar or hot sauce.
Garnish last. Fresh herbs add contrast in both flavor and appearance — don’t skip them.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using wet shrimp: This is the number one reason they won’t crisp. Even if they're thawed from frozen, give them a good pat with paper towels until completely dry.
Skipping the cornstarch: Don’t be tempted to go without it. The cornstarch creates that light, crispy coating that holds up under the glaze.
Cooking all at once: Overcrowding the pan causes the shrimp to steam, not sear. Cook in batches for the best texture.
Burning the garlic: It only takes seconds to go from golden to bitter. Sauté just until fragrant, then add the sauce ingredients.
Overcooking the shrimp: Once they curl and turn opaque, they’re done. Letting them go longer can make them rubbery.
Adding the glaze too early: The shrimp need to be crispy first. If you add the glaze too soon, it’ll steam the coating off.

What to Serve With Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Soaks up all that sticky-sweet glaze and keeps the meal balanced.

Asian-Style Slaw

Adds crunch and freshness to contrast the warm, saucy shrimp.

Garlic Noodles

Rich, buttery noodles make a comforting, flavor-packed pairing.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Quick sautéed bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas keep things healthy and colorful.

Warm Flatbread or Roti

Use it to mop up every last bit of glaze.

Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and tangy — the perfect palate cleanser.

Pan-Fried Dumplings

If you're serving this as part of an appetizer spread, dumplings make a great sidekick.

Grilled Pineapple

A sweet-and-smoky pairing that plays beautifully with the honey glaze.

Storage Instructions

Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp is best served fresh — that’s when the shrimp are at their crispiest and the glaze is sticky and perfect. However, if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerate: Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To bring back some crispiness, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible — it tends to make the shrimp rubbery and soggy.
Freeze? Not recommended. The texture suffers after freezing and thawing, and the glaze doesn't hold up well.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving — based on 4 servings)

Calories: 310
Protein: 26g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 16g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 860mg
Cholesterol: 190mg
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Serving Size: About 6 large shrimp
Category: Main Dish
Diet: Pescatarian, Dairy-Free

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the size of shrimp and exact ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What size shrimp should I use for this recipe?

Large or extra-large shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count per pound) work best. They hold their shape, cook evenly, and give you a satisfying bite.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking. This helps achieve that crisp coating.

Is this recipe spicy?

It's mildly spicy, thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat level — add more flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra kick, or omit them entirely for a sweeter version.

Can I bake instead of pan-fry the shrimp?

You can, but they won’t be as crispy. If baking, coat the shrimp with a light spray of oil and roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I keep the shrimp crispy after adding the glaze?

Add the glaze after the shrimp are fully crisped, and only cook for 1–2 more minutes. Don’t let them sit too long in the pan or they’ll lose that crunchy coating.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Double the sauce, too — you’ll want plenty of it.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and confirm your cornstarch and other condiments are certified gluten-free.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. Mix the glaze ingredients (honey, soy sauce, vinegar, red pepper flakes) and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat before adding to the shrimp.

Conclusion

Crispy Honey-Glazed Shrimp brings together everything I love in a dish: quick cooking, bold flavor, and a restaurant-worthy finish with minimal effort. Whether you're whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or a last-minute appetizer, this shrimp recipe checks every box. Sweet, salty, sticky, and crisp — it's a total crowd-pleaser that’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

Ready to turn up the heat and coat your shrimp in golden honey glaze? Let’s jump into the printable version next.