Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp

This is the 20-minute dinner that keeps showing up everywhere for good reason. Golden, crunchy shrimp coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that hits every note: sweet, savory, a little spicy if you want it. Serve it over rice and dinner is done.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (optional)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the shrimp

Pat the shrimp completely dry. This is the difference between crispy and soggy. Dip each one in beaten egg, then press into cornstarch until fully coated. Set them on a plate while you work through the batch.

Step 2: Fry until golden

Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, giving them space. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden and crunchy. Work in batches if needed. Transfer to a wire rack or plate.

Step 3: Build the sauce

Lower the heat and toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha. Let it bubble and thicken for about a minute.

Step 4: Toss and serve

Add the crispy shrimp back to the pan and toss everything together until each piece is coated in that glossy sauce. Hit it with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

  • Over steamed jasmine rice with extra sauce spooned on top
  • Next to quick-pickled cucumbers for crunch and acidity
  • Wrapped in butter lettuce cups for a lighter take

Tips

  • Dry your shrimp thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch. It gives you that shatteringly crunchy coating that holds up to the sauce.
  • Make the sauce while the shrimp rests, then toss right before serving so they stay crispy.
  • Use a spider strainer to lift shrimp out cleanly and let oil drain off.