Honey Fried Shrimp: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Looking for a dish that combines the best of sweet and savory? Honey fried shrimp is the perfect choice! This crispy, golden-brown shrimp is coated in a light, flavorful batter and drizzled with a sweet honey glaze. The balance between the savory shrimp and the rich, sweet honey sauce makes this dish an irresistible treat for seafood lovers and those craving a satisfying meal. Whether it’s a special occasion, a weeknight dinner, or an appetizer for a party, honey fried shrimp is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll guide you through a basic honey fried shrimp recipe, offer tips for perfecting the dish, storage advice, and explore some dietary adaptations to suit different needs.
For more seafood inspiration, check out Crispy Fish Tacos and Garlic Butter Shrimp.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions for Honey Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the egg and cold water, whisking until the batter is smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the shrimp but not too thick.
- Heat the Oil: Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil – it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully drop the shrimp into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, so the shrimp cook evenly. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Coat the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are cooked and drained, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey glaze over the shrimp and toss gently to coat them evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the honey fried shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with a side of rice, vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Advanced Techniques for Honey Fried Shrimp
Crispy Coating with Panko Breadcrumbs
For an extra crispy texture, consider adding panko breadcrumbs to the batter or rolling the battered shrimp in breadcrumbs before frying. This adds an additional crunch and makes the shrimp even more satisfying.
Adjusting the Sweetness
You can easily adjust the sweetness of the honey glaze based on your preferences. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more honey. For a more balanced flavor, reduce the amount of honey and increase the soy sauce for a savory touch. You can also add a dash of chili sauce to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
Infusing Flavors into the Oil
To add more depth of flavor, consider infusing the frying oil with herbs like rosemary or thyme before frying the shrimp. Simply add the herbs to the hot oil and let them cook for a few minutes before removing them. This will give the shrimp a subtle herbal note.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips for Honey Fried Shrimp
How to Store Leftover Honey Fried Shrimp
Honey fried shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure the shrimp have cooled completely before storing them to prevent sogginess.
Reheating Tips
To reheat leftover honey fried shrimp, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving them, as it can make the batter soggy.
Can You Freeze Honey Fried Shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze honey fried shrimp. After frying the shrimp, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven as described above. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions for Honey Fried Shrimp
Gluten-Free Honey Fried Shrimp
To make a gluten-free version of honey fried shrimp, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornstarch. You can also use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating.
Low-Carb Option
For a low-carb version, replace the flour and cornstarch with almond flour or coconut flour. This will reduce the carbohydrate content and still result in a crispy coating. Additionally, you can skip the honey glaze and opt for a sugar-free alternative, like a sugar-free honey substitute, to cut down on sugar.
Dairy-Free Option
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, as it doesn’t contain any milk or dairy products. You can enjoy this dish without making any substitutions for those following a dairy-free diet.
FAQs About Honey Fried Shrimp
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps the batter stick better.
What’s the best dipping sauce for honey fried shrimp?
For dipping sauces, try pairing honey fried shrimp with a spicy sriracha mayo, a tangy cocktail sauce, or a creamy garlic dipping sauce. These sauces complement the sweet and savory flavors of the shrimp beautifully.
Can I use other seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with other types of seafood, such as scallops, calamari, or even white fish fillets. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the seafood.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Honey fried shrimp is a flavorful, crispy, and sweet treat that’s perfect for a quick meal or as a fun appetizer. With its golden, crunchy exterior and sweet, sticky glaze, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with various ways to tweak the recipe to suit different dietary needs, you can enjoy this delicious treat no matter your preferences.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a family dinner, or just a fun snack, honey fried shrimp is sure to be a hit!